Development of systems thinking

A Systems Mindset prepares learners to work effectively as service providers, consultants, researchers, developers, or other professionals delivering a service or product to an individual, group, or community. This course provides policymakers, real estate developers, consultants, government agencies, engineers, and nonprofits with the foundational foundations for taking the first steps in solving complex problems that require community and stakeholder engagement. Being a successful professional requires a creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset, as well as a relentless problem-solving mindset. Yes, absolutely! But you also need to be a listener. You must truly value the community and stakeholders—those who gain and lose the most from your actions. It is important for you to listen, learn what is important, and then act. This course will emphasize that you need to be a systems thinker to solve complex problems from a systems perspective, which means you must approach problems from multiple angles, at multiple scales, and from multiple perspectives. This course is the first step toward developing this mindset and effective collaboration—from receiving a “request” for help to problem orientation, understanding a community, and developing a project plan. Students will learn to use systems thinking to understand large-scale systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and ecological systems. Students will also learn practical skills and techniques to build rapport, trust, and support.