This is the second part of my series of concise, activity-based explanations of the Viable System Model. These are designed not only to support learners but also to provide ideas for VSM coaches and consultants (especially, when it is about explaining it to clients).

Part 2: An individual person through the lens of the Viable System Model

Let’s map the typical activities of an individual person along the systems of the VSM.

System 1 (Operational Units – Social Roles)

These represent the person’s various social and professional roles, focusing on their direct actions and interactions:

1. As a professional: Delivering on job responsibilities (e.g., writing reports, attending meetings).
2. As a friend: Meeting a friend for coffee or supporting them during tough times.
3. As a parent: Helping children with homework or playing games with them.
4. As a community member: Volunteering for a local charity or attending neighborhood events.
5. As a partner: Planning date nights or collaborating on household tasks.
6. As a hobbyist: Practicing a musical instrument, painting, or playing sports.
7. As a learner: Studying for a professional certification or exploring a new skill.

System 2 (Self-Coordination)

Ensures harmony and prioritization among the different roles, avoiding oscillation or conflicts.

1. Maintaining a calendar to track work meetings, personal appointments, and family events.
2. Balancing personal and professional commitments to avoid conflicts.
3. Planning a daily or weekly routine to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
4. Adjusting schedules when unexpected events occur (e.g., rescheduling meetings for a child’s emergency).
5. Allocating time for self-care to recharge and prevent burnout.
6. Coordinating with others (e.g., coworkers, family) to delegate tasks.
7. Using reminders or productivity tools to stay organized.

System 3 (Operational Management)

Oversees all operational units (roles), allocates resources, and ensures overall efficiency.

1. Setting long-term (operational) goals for financial stability.
2. Managing personal finances, including budgeting and saving.
3. Reviewing progress on personal and professional goals (e.g., tracking milestones).
4. Ensuring physical health through regular exercise, healthy eating, and doctor visits.
5. Managing relationships by investing time in meaningful connections.
6. Addressing feedback from others to improve performance or relationships.
7. Scheduling breaks or vacations to ensure mental and physical well-being.

System 3* (Audit and Monitoring)

Regularly checks the effectiveness of System 3 and identifies anomalies or improvement areas.

1. Reflecting on past weeks to assess what went well and what could improve.
2. Checking financial statements for unexpected expenses.
3. Evaluating time spent on roles to see if adjustments are needed.
4. Monitoring health metrics (e.g., tracking steps, sleep, or nutrition).
5. Seeking feedback from trusted individuals about behavior or performance.
6. Reviewing personal habits to identify patterns that hinder growth.
7. Conducting personal inventory checks (e.g., ensuring tools and resources for work or hobbies are available).

System 4 (Development and Strategy)

Focuses on preparing for the future by considering opportunities and changes in the environment.

1. Exploring potential career opportunities or advancements.
2. Learning new skills to stay relevant in the professional sphere.
3. Networking to create future opportunities.
4. Setting long-term financial goals, such as buying a home or retiring early.
5. Considering personal development plans, such as enrolling in courses or reading books.
6. Planning future trips, hobbies, or experiences.
7. Adapting to trends or changes in the environment (e.g., learning about new technology).

System 5 (Identity and Policy)

Defines the individual’s purpose, core values, principles, and long-term vision.

1. Aligning daily actions with broader goals and values.
2. Defining personal values, such as honesty, kindness, or ambition.
3. Reflecting on the meaning and purpose of life.
4. Resolving ethical dilemmas based on core beliefs.
5. Setting boundaries in relationships to maintain self-respect.
6. Celebrating personal milestones and achievements.
7. Balancing demands of the roles to ensure emotional buffers (resilience).

Algedonic Channel (Signals of Pain and Pleasure)

Alerts the individual to important events, prompting a response from System 2–5.

1. Positive recognition at work (pleasure) → System 5 reinforces professional values; System 4 explores new career options.
2. A strained relationship with a friend (pain) → System 2 mediates schedules to resolve conflict; System 3* audits behavior.
3. A health scare (pain) → System 3 prioritizes health resources; System 4 revises future plans for better wellness.
4. Winning an award (pleasure) → System 5 reflects on the achievement; System 4 plans to leverage it for future growth.
5. Burnout from overwork (pain) → System 5 reorganizes priorities; System 3* reviews time allocation, System 3 creates new operational plan.
6. Achieving a personal fitness goal (pleasure) → System 5 emphasizes resilience; System 4 considers higher challenges.
7. Losing a significant opportunity (pain) → System 4 develops contingency plans; System 5 reflects on lessons learned.

I hope this example gives you a feeling of what the systems of the VSM are doing and how thew are related to each other via an inclusive logic.

Check out VSMGPT to learn more about the Viable System Model

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