Systems thinking is a way of thinking that gives you insight into how people and organisations act, plan and organise. Systems are everywhere. Learning to see and influence these systems is a necessary skill for every manager and executive.

To many, systems theory seems like an academic science. We find that very few organisations still put systemic principles into practice. However, this thinking leads to higher success rates and more sustainable systems.

After this Masterclass, you will be able to:

• Deploy systems thinking as a cognitive skill.
• Quickly intercept mechanistic errors and systemic archetypes.
• Initiate systemically sustainable interventions.
• Apply systemic principles and techniques in management, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Programme

The full Masterclass includes 4 half-day modules.

Module 1: General framework Systems Thinking

• What is systems thinking?
• Systemic view using the iceberg model
• Distinguishing results, patterns, trends, systems, processes, models
• Quality of perception
• Ladder of inference
• Systems thinking vs reductive thinking
• Intercepting thinking errors

Module 2: Causal Loop Diagram (CLD)

• Causality, relationships, feedback loops, delays
• Techniques and tools for CLD mapping
• Limits and levers
• Balancing and strengthening loops
• Complexity

Module 3: Systemic archetypes

• Limits to growth
• Shifting the buds
• Eroding goals
• Success to the successful
• Tragedy of the commons
• Fixes that fail

Module 4: Systems thinking in your team and organisation

• Overview, insight & view
• Define Key Performance Indicators using CLDs
• Basic facilitation techniques
• Strategic thinking and scenario thinking

Didactic method

Our approach to this systems thinking training is particularly interactive and practice-oriented. During the training, we will not only cover the theory of systems thinking, but also offer exercises and practical applications to help you develop your own systems models. We will give you the tools and techniques you need to harness the power of systems thinking for yourself, your team and your organisation.

Moreover, we pay a lot of attention to giving and receiving feedback, so you will be able to continue developing your skills after the training. After the training, you will be able to immediately apply the skills and techniques learned in practice. In short, we aim to provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience that will help you improve and grow your systems thinking skills.