Systems
Thinking &
Systems Change
Part 1
Check–in in Breakout Rooms
Share with your partner:
From everything you learnt in the program so far, what have been 2-3
things that you have been practicing, applying, trying out in your work
place? What have been the effects/impact of that?
2
Agenda
This afternoon
Intro to Systems Thinking
Iceberg Model
Intro to Systems Change
Applying the theory to your reality
3
Mini Poll
How familiar are you with the concepts of systems thinking and systems change?
If you are already familiar with the theory and concepts, have you applied it in your work?
Systems Thinking /
Why is it an important skill for leaders in a space
like yours?
1. Most organizations start by solving a specific problem 2. We want to try and make our
or create a specific offering. change/solution as long lasting and
Then as they grow and scale, they begin to address profound as possible.
broader and/or deeper aspects of the system in
which they work or which they try to shift.
3. Systems Thinking enables you to understand complex problems and
come up with new ways to tell your story, create strategic partnerships
and innovate your programming by:
- Respecting complexity and making it manageable
- Attending to the connections between things, events and ideas
(relationships between a given set of factors – usually not linear)
Systems Thinking / 5
What is a
System?
6
What is a System?
According to Donella Meadows (one of the Founders E.g. Financial system, educational
of Systems Thinking) a System is: system, political system, healthcare
system
An interconnected set of elements which is
coherently organised in a way that achieves Also: Countries, cities, town,
something. A system consists of 3 things: families, organizations!
● Elements
● Interconnections/Relationships
GOAL
● A function or a purpose
Systems come in all
shapes and sizes!
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What is a System?
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What is a System?
A FOOTBALL TEAM IS A SYSTEM WITH:
Elements, Interconnections and a purpose
1. Elements
Players, ball, field, etc
2. Interconnections
Rules of the game, rules of the competition
3. Purpose
To win, make money
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Generic Examples of Systems
● Digestive System ● Animal
● Sports Team ● Tree
● School ● Forest
● City ● Earth
● Factory ● Solar System
● Cultural Organisations ● Galaxy
● National Economy ● IT System
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Exercise 1: Locating yourself in the
system
Group Activity – in groups of 3-4 people
Key Questions:
• Which system(s) is your organisation a part of?
• Which systems are you trying to influence through your programs/projects?
• How are you trying to influence it?
Optional Questions:
• What role are you playing within that system?
• Who else is part of the system that you are trying to influence? Who are the main actors?
You have 10- 15 mins
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Intro to
Systems
Thinking
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“Systems thinking is a vantage point from which you see a
whole, a web of relationships, rather than focusing only on the
detail of any particular piece. Events are seen in the larger
context of a pattern that is unfolding over time.”
isee systems, inc.
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What is systems thinking?
Systems Thinking / 14
What is the problem here?
Systems Thinking / 15
The problem is well understood - we What is the nature of the challenge? We are not really sure we understand the
know what causes it. There is solid nature of the problem let alone the
evidence that our proposed actions will solution.
have the intended effects.
There is a high level of consensus How are people engaging with the challenge? There is a significant diversity of opinion
amongst stakeholders and experts and even conflict amongst stakeholders
about what to do. and experts about what to do.
The problem is relatively self-contained What is the nature of the environment? There are many diverse and dynamic
and not intertwined with its broader interconnections between the problem
environment which is stable and and the broader environment, which itself
predictable (political, economic and is unstable and dynamic (political,
social). economic and social).
What is the nature of your intended
goal? To make sustained change at a broad
It is a short term goal. scale.
Systems Thinking / 16
Help Age – Systems Approach
Systems
Thinking Tools
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Types of System Mapping
19
Systems Thinking Tools - Iceberg
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Systems Thinking as a Problem Solving
Approach
Example: Event • Team member is late on Tuesday
Team member being late
Pattern or • Team member is late on
Trend Tuesday
Structure • No flex time
• Lack of trust of
Mental Model
team members
Systems Thinking Tools
THE
ICEBERG
A Tool for
Guiding
Systemic
Thinking
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Systems Thinking Tools
ICEBERG Structure creates
Problem Analysis
behaviour
If you want to change the
system you need to change
structures or mental models!
Problem Solving
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Exercise 1: Iceberg Model
Discussion – 15- 20mins
In pairs use the Iceberg model to do an analysis of a reoccurring / complex
problem you face in your workplace.
1. Take about 5 minutes individually to fill in the Iceberg Model in your
notebooks.
2. Share with your partner:
● What are the key trends and patterns over time - behaviour?
● What is causing these patterns – what are the structures that create or
contribute the behaviour? What are the relationships between the
parts? What could you do to change them?
● What are the beliefs or mental models that support or underlie those
structures?
3-4 mins per person
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Thank you!
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Nairobi - São Paulo - Bengaluru
