Applying Systems Thinking

As we struggle with the problems or challenges facing our institutions today, it will quickly become apparent that they are part of a whole complex system which our current approaches fail to address. Increasingly, as managers and leaders of change, we need to begin to think systemically so that well intentioned initiatives do not result in unforeseen and undesirable outcomes. Having seen a recent resurgence in popularity – particularly across the public sector – systems thinking comprises a variety of principles, approaches and methodologies. Systems thinking helps us to see the inter-relationships between things, as well as the underlying patterns and root causes of symptoms and problems that occur everyday in our organisations. Systems thinking enables us to find practical, effective and sustainable solutions to a myriad of real-world problems.

As a management consultancy that uses systems thinking as an integral part of our work with clients across the private, public and charitable sectors … we feel we are uniquely qualified to present this exciting course – developed by systems practitioners. It is intended for those engaged in bringing new thinking and new solutions to their organisations and draws from the three worlds of systems practice providing a sound academic foundation, methods based approaches as well as pragmatic and practical solutions.

As an individual, attendance on this course will provide with a thorough grounding in the variety of systems thinking methods and approaches available including Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model, Soft systems, Critical Systems Heuristics, SODA, Systems Dynamics, cognitive mapping, Six Sigma, Lean and more. You will gain a richer insight into problem solving, and a fluency in searching for and applying possible solutions. Your new skills will provide the foundation to understand and design corporate change.

This 3-day executive course is available at one of our luxurious training venues in either the North West of England or central London.

How to Book

You may book online immediately for either of these courses here to secure your place, or call us on 01565 759893.

View our payment terms and conditions here. You may also view additional details on each course below.

Applying Systems Thinking Training Course (3 Days)

Overview

This intensive three-day course will help managers to understand and employ the key approaches from systems thinking. Attendees will learn when systems thinking techniques are needed and how to understand which approach fits which problem. In particular, the course will explain the patchy success of Lean and Six Sigma approaches to complex systems and will critique the use of specific systems thinking approaches in different situations.

The course is distinctive: designed and delivered by experienced consultants who are both academically qualified and also have a wealth of real-world, practical experience applying systems thinking to a wide range of complex organisational problems. It provides independent advice drawn from the application of various approaches and, unlike many similar courses, does not focus exclusively on one proprietary approach or method.

This three-day course comprises a stimulating mix of taught modules, discussion, cases and practical activities, together with pre-reading and a useful pre-course ‘audit’. We also invite delegates to bring their own issues for use in the course.

Importantly, course leaders will also be available for individual support and mentoring – entirely free of charge – for up to 30 days after the course.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, delegates will:

  • Develop the ability to use Systems Thinking approaches in practical ways to solve complex problems,
  • Appreciate and learn, from practical experience, how to use a wide variety of Systems Thinking approaches,
  • Know which approach to use and the extent to which the ‘full methodology’ is useful
  • Understand the dichotomies implicit in management, and recognise the balance point for best performance (between too much and too little).

At the core of the learning is the ability to correctly formulate problems and understand which approaches fit the problem context. Attendees will be in a position to critically examine the dangerous dogma of the inappropriate use of canned solutions – such as command and control.

Target Audience

The target audience includes Business Analysts, Project Managers, Team Leaders, Change Managers, Change Agents, Senior Managers and anyone who wants to radically improve the quality and effectiveness of their organisation.

Designers, Legislators and Policy Analysts who wish to understand the world in which we operate better will also benefit from a better understanding of ST approaches.

Course Content

Topics covered will include:

  • Background
      – New challenges and the need for a better view of the world
      - Benefits of Systems Thinking
      - Recognising types of problems and knowing how to solve them
      - A historical perspective – origin and development
      - Key management challenges and dichotomies
  • Approaches
      – An overview of some of the main Systems Thinking Approaches
      - Underpinning concepts and ideas
      - An Overview of some associated Tools and Techniques
      - Hard systems approaches
      - Soft systems approaches
  • Practical Advice
      – Introducing Systems Thinking
      - Communicating in pictures and concepts
      - Systems Thinking and Change Management
      - Review of Associated Skills and Knowledge needs
      - Recommendations for developing your own ‘methodologies’
  • Experience
      – The Application of Systems thinking in the Real World
      - Company case studies
      - Case material based on your own case study
      - Specialist material for Public Sector and Private Sector applications

Cost and Location

Attendance on this 3-day course is available at a cost of £750 + Vat (inc. all materials, lunch and refreshments).

The course is available at one of our luxurious training premises across the UK …

Booths Hall, Knutsford, Cheshire – An 18th Century manor house set in 220 acres in the heart of the Cheshire countryside – within easy reach of Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington, Preston, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Birmingham, Wrexham and Chester and the counties of Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside Staffordshire, Shropshire, West Midlands and Flintshire. Delegates will be able to enjoy the beautiful parkland, woodland walks along with the extensive sporting facilities available.

Carlton House, Westminster, London – This stylish and comfortable venue has been extensively modernised whilst retaining its period character and boasts high quality, comprehensively equipped training rooms ideally suited for the delivery of the company’s growing range of business and personal development focused training courses. Although situated in a desirable, easily accessed location close to Pall Mall, traffic noise is minimal and delegates can experience a sense of comparative tranquility whilst engaging in their learning.

Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

“The facilitators were fantastic. I knew very little about Systems Thinking before I attended the workshop and now I can’t wait to find out more.”
- Neil Winkworth, Baringa Partners

“Very knowledgeable and personable presenters who went out of their way to engage the participants and enhance the learning experience and provide more than expected.”
- Samuel Short, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge

What is systems thinking training?

What is systems thinking training?

Systems thinking training is a term used to describe an alternative approach to problem solving. It is useful - essential even - for leaders and managers in industry and business, both in the public and private sector.

Systems thinking training combines various principles, approaches and methodologies to help build a clearer picture of relationships and situations affecting our businesses. With the skills that are taught during systems thinking training, we are more inclined to recognise how differing elements inter-connect. We are also able to look beyond the surface of obvious circumstance to locate the roots of conflicts and issues within our businesses.

With the help of systems thinking training we are able to become leaders and managers with a difference; able to think clearly, cut to the root of a problem and come up with solutions that provide an effective response. You could almost regard systems thinking training as gaining a sixth sense, because it allows you to approach difficult situations with skills that most people lack.

Who are systems thinking courses suitable for?

Systems thinking courses would be beneficial to all individuals because it enables you to draw on skills and strengths required to deal with problems and change. It is particularly useful to those whose daily work requires them to problem-solve, lead or manage change.

While systems thinking courses are growing in popularity within the public sector, this is not to say that those working in the private sector or in the not-for-profit sector wouldn't benefit from learning the skills and methodologies involved.

Life in the not-for-profit sector can be particularly challenging for leaders and managers; there are often less resources available to deal with challenging situations (financial and physical) and there tends to be more stakeholders involved which increases the amount of people you are answerable to - and therefore the amount of pressure you are under.

Why should I enrol on systems thinking courses with Watt Works?

With Watt Works, when you enrol on our systems thinking courses you can be assured that you will be learning about the essential practices involved in systems thinking. Our tutors base their teaching upon the three worlds of systems practice, which means you get a solid and reliable academic foundation as well as the practical benefits.

Our systems thinking courses are held in comfortable training venues, each one chosen to provide a quiet, calm and reflective location in which our course participants are able to focus completely on the skills they are learning.

There are a plethora of management courses on offer today - choosing the right one for the managers of your company or yourself could be one of the most important business decisions you will make. Take advantage of a combination of new thinking and traditional philosophies on offer and contact us about our systems training courses. This will give your business the edge it needs in a tough world where problems never go away, so survival and success depends entirely on how you approach them.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information on any of our training services call us on +44 (0) 1565 759 893

All of our training services are designed to provide world-class experiences in learning and development.


We place extra emphasis on ensuring that participants on our courses have a superior learning experience that they are able to fully integrate in their personal and professional lives.


We provide pre-course preparation material, as well as a series of weekly and monthly follow ups and quizzes to ensure you make the most of your time with us.


All our courses are available via our open programme, or can be tailored extensivley to suit the needs of your organisation via in-house delivery.


Book a place on one of our open programme courses today...
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“Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static snapshots. It is a set of general principles- distilled over the course of the twentieth century, spanning fields as diverse as the physical and social sciences, engineering, and management. ... During the last thirty years, these tools have been applied to understand a wide range of corporate, urban, regional, economic, political, ecological, and even psychological systems. And systems thinking is a sensibility- for the subtle interconnectedness that gives living systems their unique character.”
Peter SengeConsultant and Author of 'The Fifth Discipline'

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Watt Works Consulting Ltd Booths Hall, Chelford Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8GS, England, United Kingdom T +44 (0)1565 759 893