Hi Reader,
We live in a complex, interconnected, and interdependent world, but for many of us, we have been taught to think in linear and reductive ways—which is at odds with the complexity that we are living in! This is one of the reasons we have been so committed to advancing systems thinking, and so this week’s Interconnected is a homage to applying systems to sustainability. We have curated a list of our favorite places to access systems thinking content to help you get started or progress you along your systems-loving journey.
We are also excited to announce a new live program dedicated to Systems Thinking for Sustainability! Scroll down to the base of the email to find out more.
READ
6 Fundamental Tools of Systems Thinking
A note from Leyla:
A few years ago, after a particularly frustrating conversation with a client about the need to think in systems rather than see things in isolation, I sat down to write a series of introductory articles on how and why systems thinking is so important and accessible. That little series has really made a significant impact, with the 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking having over 1 million views!
Here are three of my favorite ST articles I’ve written over the years:
- Unlocking the Power of Systems Thinking
- Problem-Solving Desperately Needs Systems Thinking
- How to do Systems Mapping
The Systems Thinker
The Systems Thinker website is a cornucopia of content on all things systems; it's a must-visit for anyone expanding or exploring systems thinking, offering up introductory guides on ST through to advanced academic explorations of systems dynamics in conflicts and how to do causal loop diagrams. There are hundreds of articles—all FREE—organized by topics and sectors, so it's easy to get lost exploring the many useful tools and frameworks housed on the site. Bookmark it!
Donella Meadows
One of the most influential modern systems thinkers is Donella Meadows, who studied at MIT and authored The Limits to Growth book that really had significant impacts in sustainable development. She wrote THE handbook, Thinking in Systems: A Primer, and a seminal paper, Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System. Sadly, she passed away in 2001, but her legacy lives on via the Donella Meadows Institute, which holds many of her archives and honors her contributions to the field.
LISTEN
Operation Cat Drop
Do you know the story of parachuting cats in Borneo in the 1950s? It's not only a fascinating true story, but it's also a perfect example of what happens when you don't think in systems. This delightful 3-minute whiteboard animation video is a must-watch for any systems thinker.
REFLECT + ENGAGE
New! Live Online Systems Thinking for Sustainability Training
Sign up to join our first-ever live online training program in advanced systems thinking for sustainability, where you will learn several different types of systems mapping techniques, how to apply them to facilitation and real-world scenarios as well as the newly developed systems in focus maps used for the advancement of the circular economy.
Taught by Leyla Acaroglu and designed to accommodate Asian Pacific and European time zones, this 4-part program is held over one month with 4 live sessions and a trove of online self-directed content.
Early bird pricing is available for a limited time, so check it out now!
30 Days of Systems Thinking Challenge
Can’t join this session? Check out our 30 Days of Systems Thinking Challenge instead! One of our most popular courses, you can expect to activate and advance your systems mindset through 30 individual themes and learning activities that challenge you to become a systems thinker.