---
title: "Systems thinking"
description: "Working with complexity. Systems theory offers a highly effective framework for dealing with complexity. The principles and working methods help to..."
language: en
source: https://thehouseofcoaching.com/en/systeemdenken
---

# Systems thinking

Working with complexity

Systems theory offers a highly effective framework for dealing with complexity. The principles and working methods help to profoundly change a culture from hierarchical silo thinking to an integral way of thinking that views problems as phenomena resulting from underlying systemic interactions and limiting or enabling *mindsets*.

**Learning objectives:**

We propose a series of eight (online / live / hybrid) training sessions. Unlike a purely theoretical approach, this programme is entirely focused on the current challenges and work situations that participants face daily. This makes the systemic *toolbox* highly relevant and allows participants to experience first hand the impact they can create by putting systemic principles and techniques into practice.

The learning programme integrates *hard systems* (organisation, processes, structure, finance, ...) with *soft systems* (*mindset*, drivers, energy, culture, behaviour, ...).

This is a programme that challenges people. They learn to deal flexibly with different perceptions and conflicting beliefs. They become aware of classic thinking errors and how these lead to limiting archetypal patterns. People immediately get to work with the systemic *tools* and discover for themselves the difference they can make.

**Programme:**

Systems thinking is a scientific discipline. However, the focus of this supporting training is not on the academic side but on the practical applications of systemic principles and techniques. We develop these in a series of workshops.

1. General framework (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn the general principles of systems thinking.

- Distinguishing between phenomena, behaviour, systems and mental models using the iceberg model;
- Distinguishing between a mechanistic and an integral approach;
- Distinguishing between linearity and complexity using Cynefin;
- Techniques for switching between analysis and synthesis;
1. Quality of perception (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn how to work with diverging perceptions and how to increase the quality of (shared) perception.

- Distinguishing between reality and meaning;
- Recognising common thinking errors;
- Conversation techniques to identify and correct thinking errors;
- Turning resistance into understanding, involvement and cooperation;
1. Mapping causality (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn how to identify and map cause and effect relationships.

- Recognising causality;
- Causal relationships vs. correlations;
- Mapping a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD):
- Identifying variables
- Establishing causal links
- Mapping feedback loops;
- Mapping delays;
- Identifying limits;
- CLD facilitation techniques to overcome thinking errors;
1. Archetypes I (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn the simple systemic archetypes. For each archetype, we explore which mindset leads to a certain pattern and how we can address it.

- Balancing process with delay
- Limits to growth
- Shifting the burden
- Eroding goal
1. Archetypes II (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn more complex systemic archetypes. For each archetype, we explore which mindset leads to a certain pattern and how we can address it.

- Escalation
- Fixes that fail
- Success to the successful
1. Archetypes III (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn more complex systemic archetypes. For each archetype, we explore which mindset leads to a certain pattern and how we can address it.

- Tragedy of the commons
- Growth & underinvestment
- Interactions between systemic archetypes
1. Facilitating strategy development using systems thinking (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn to use systemic techniques in conversations, meetings and workshops.

- Recognising thinking errors and limiting beliefs;
- Dealing with opposing beliefs, resistance, ...;
- Reframing techniques;
- Methods for facilitating strategic and generative dialogue;
1. Scenario thinking and storytelling (1 half-day)

During this workshop, participants learn how to develop various scenarios based on systemic principles and techniques, and they learn to use powerful positive attractors to move dynamics in systems in desired directions.

- Using scenario thinking as a strategic working tool;
- Various storytelling techniques to create powerful positive attractors;
- How to channel energy in the field towards desired outcomes;

### Experience-oriented learning at The House of Coaching

The House of Coaching stands for experience-oriented learning. As a participant, you constantly work with the theory through practical, experience-oriented exercises that teach you to apply your skills in real situations. We facilitate the learning process through maximum interaction and sharing experiences. That is learning that truly sticks!

![Systems thinking](https://thehouseofcoaching.com/media/ca2cd607bfd5416b.webp)

Would you like to develop these 21st Century Skills in your people, team or organisation?

[Contact us](https://thehouseofcoaching.com/contact) and we will work out a programme together!

## Practical details

- **Formula:** In-company training
- **Languages:** English, Dutch
- **Modules:** 8
- **Participants:** 6 to 12

[Request a tailored programme →](https://thehouseofcoaching.com/contact)