An Introduction to Systems Thinking
Learning Organizations and Systems ThinkingLeaders of complex organizations have historically attempted to use simplistic frameworks to manage what are inherently complex systems. Solutions, with the best of intentions, are often implemented too close to the problems. Short-term solutions combined with the lack of awareness or understanding of the natural interconnectedness of systems, often result in long-term non-solutions...
A Systems Thinking Tool • The Iceberg
A SYSTEMS THINKING MODEL • THE ICEBERGAdapted from the Northwest Earth InstituteSystems thinking is a way of approaching problems that asks how various elements within a system — which could be an ecosystem, an organization, or something more dispersed such as a supply chain — influence one another. Rather than reacting to individual problems that arise, a systems thinker will ask about relationships to other activities within the system, look for patterns over time, and seek root causes. One systems thinking model that is helpful for understanding global issues is the iceberg model...
An Introduction to Connection Circles - Plastics and Ocean Debris
Systems Thinking Tools for KidsDeveloping Awareness Using Connection CirclesFinding solutions to problems is different from solving problems. We often don't think about the many connections that make even a simple problem on the surface more complicated below. In this lesson I am introducing students [grade 4] to a systems thinking tool, the Connection Circle...