Move your thinking from present-day linear frameworks into systems dynamics; in turn, your problem-solving skills will holistically affect present, emerging, and future problems.

This course is designed to help leaders move away from linear thinking and into systems thinking by understanding systems dynamics.

In that manner, leaders will be able to devise solutions that are more holistic and sustainable. In short, the effectiveness of the leader’s thinking is made robust, as well as his or her effectiveness in executing leadership strategies. At the end of this introductory course in systems thinking/systems dynamics, the student will be able to recognize interdependencies, plot them in causal loop diagrams, determine with more accuracy the structure of systems, and better forecast how a system could behave in order to devise effective solutions to positively affect organizational and community opportunities.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize problem's variables, interdependencies, and system components

  • Understand how a system's structure determines its behavior

  • Draw simple Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs)

  • Apply at least one brainstorming technique, cluster ideas into patterns, identify potential root causes, and begin testing of potential courses of action

  • What you will learn.

    You will be able to recognize problem variables and their interdependencies. Moreover, by recognizing these interdependencies, you will be able to view and make an analysis of a system’s structure, so you can appropriately think about cause and effect. Finally, as a participant, you will be able to employ the practice of causal loop diagrams in holistic thinking and problem-solving.

  • Why do you want to learn it?

    We live in a system of systems’ world. Yet, the great majority of all ways of thinking taught in management and leadership schools is heavily concentrated on linear thinking. Since the world is a system composed of other systems that are multi-linked (with associated feedback loops), leaders find themselves at the mercy of solutions that end up producing unintended consequences.

  • How it will help you.

    Disruption happens, most times, as the unintended consequence of the time-lag effect of solutions that connect systems. Instead of dealing with these effects, while wondering if you will survive, you can shape and forecast outcomes, by changing your forms of thinking, facilitating better posturing of your business/organization, and even your own personal life.

Target Audience

  • Emerging leaders, first-line supervisors, to senior executive leaders who are responsible for leading teams through critical thinking processes to develop holistic solutions for their organizations.