|
William (Bill) E. Smith has joined ISSS in the 90s. He is an innovative thinker and practitioner in leadership, organization, and social development.
Bill presented a notable paper titled "A Lifelong Perspective on Systems Capped by the Discovery of Stem‑Systems" at the ISSS, exploring how systems evolve through personal, social, political, and cultural phases, influenced by experiences such as WWII bombings, global travel, and organizational dynamics. His work delves deeply into how spiritual, philosophical, and scientific perspectives shape a life-long engagement with systems—and how these inform the development of new concepts, models, and practices.
Bill has been, over the years, one of the most active ISSS Members. He participates regularly in the Mini Symposia, writes in the ISSS Newsletter, and served in various positions of the Board, such as Vice President of Practice.
Bill has also served as the Chair of the Special Integration Group SIG: Systemic Innovation, Engagement, and Leadership within ISSS, taking over leadership from Alexander Laszlo in August 2020. In this role, he has guided the SIG’s efforts to integrate theory and practice in systemic innovation, engagement, and leadership development.
Personal Life
Academia and Career
Bill completed his PhD at the Wharton Graduate School of Business. The highlight of his early career was the work he conducted for the World Bank.
Special Interests
Smith developed the AIC Theory: Appreciation, Influence, and Control, which is a model of power and systems, based on the three dimensions of Appreciation, Influence, and Control:
- Appreciation (of the whole): This dimension focuses on a group’s exploration of the ideals and inspirations that guide their work, encouraging a holistic, purpose-driven perspective.
- Influence (among stakeholders): This centers on the dynamics and relationships among actors—recognizing how values are negotiated and shaped within a system.
- Control (of production): This relates to the concrete structures and goals that emerge when the system is enacted—essentially how outcomes are managed and achieved.
Smith emphasizes the simplicity and efficacy of the methodology: by developing a personal understanding of each of the three elements—Appreciation, Influence, and Control—and dedicating equal attention to each, the framework becomes a powerful tool for navigating systemic dynamics
Selected Publications