2. Orientation to System Working: Working with diverse perspectives
This pre-recorded course of 31 minutes plus exercises originally took a 2-3h session to work through in a group.
This is the second session of a pair that could sensibly be taken together, and they are part of a ten-session Foundations of Applied Systems Thinking course.
This session covers two main topics:
- Surfacing differing perspectives and enabling them to engage with each other.
- Analysing power, managing power differentials and leveraging power assets for effective system change.
During the session, we will take you through the following methods, tools and models: Why-What-How laddering method; Structured Statements method; Power analysis method.
Objectives
Following this session, you will:
- Understand logical levels (Why, What, How) and be able to use Why-What-How laddering to align different perspectives.
- Be able to create contrasting Structured Statements to surface and crystallize different approaches to a problematic situation.
- Be able to analyse different types of power held by different stakeholders; use that insight to mitigate power differentials and to leverage power assets, in order to reduce partiality in a problematic situation.
Trainer
These courses are delivered by John Rogers, a Systems Thinking Consultant & Practitioner.
John Rogers is an accomplished systems thinking consultant and former public sector leader with over 30 years of experience driving purposeful, systemic improvement in complex, multi-agency environments. As Director of Entelechy Consulting and Systems Practitioner Assessment Ltd, he advises, trains, and assesses leaders and organisations in systems thinking, with recent work including frameworks and training for NHS Integrated Care Systems. Formerly Head of Systems Thinking at Wiltshire Council, he led transformative initiatives across children’s services, adult social care, and policing, and pioneered immersive systems training for 1,500 staff. John combines deep practical expertise with a background in consultancy, leadership, and clinical practice, and is a driving force in shaping systems thinking education and standards in the UK.
This material is Copyright and should not be used without discussions with the trainer.