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A beginner friendly course on seeing the bigger picture, spotting patterns over time, and choosing smarter interventions. Participants learn simple tools to map systems, find feedback loops, and design changes that stick.
You will understand core systems thinking concepts, draw clear maps of causes and effects, identify leverage points, and plan small, safe experiments. You will leave with a lightweight toolkit you can apply to projects, programs, and everyday decisions.
After this training you will be confident in:
• Explaining stocks, flows, feedback, and delays in plain language
• Mapping a problem using causal links and simple stock and flow sketches
• Recognizing common system archetypes and choosing fitting responses
• Selecting leverage points and designing practical experiments with measures
• Curiosity about complex problems in your work
• Bring one non sensitive challenge or process you want to improve
*We know each team has their own needs and specifications. That is why we can modify the training outline per need.
Module 1: Systems thinking essentials
• What makes a system and why parts behave differently in context
• Stocks, flows, feedback loops, and delays
• Event, pattern, structure, and mental models as levels of thinking
Module 2: Problem framing and boundaries
• Writing a clear problem statement and defining purpose
• Choosing system boundaries and time horizons
• Listing key actors, resources, and rules
Module 3: Causal mapping basics
• From narrative to causal links with clear polarity
• Reinforcing vs balancing loops and how they interact
• Reading and critiquing a simple causal loop diagram
Module 4: Stock and flow sketches
• When to use stocks and flows instead of only causal arrows
• Identifying accumulations, rates, and typical delays
• Simple sanity checks and common modeling pitfalls
Module 5: System archetypes in real life
• Fixes that fail, shifting the burden, limits to growth, tragedy of the commons
• How each archetype appears in operations, product, and policy work
• Pattern to action prompts that avoid typical traps
Module 6: Finding leverage points
• Parameters, feedback strength, information flows, rules, and goals
• Ranking potential interventions by impact and effort
• Guardrails to prevent unintended consequences
Module 7: Measurement and learning
• Picking few meaningful indicators and leading signals
• Designing small experiments and documenting assumptions
• Run charts and simple before and after comparisons
Module 8: Applying it to your context
• Build a compact system map for your chosen challenge
• Select one leverage point and outline a pilot change
• Plan communication, roles, and a review cadence
Hands-on learning with expert instructors at your location for organizations.
Master new skills guided by experienced instructors from anywhere.
