Learn the core concepts, frameworks and insights of systems thinking in engaging, concrete, and practical ways
Capacity Building
About Capacity Building
Developing the internal capability of our client organizations to practice and apply systems thinking on their own is the highest leverage and most sustainable work we do. We have successfully worked in depth with clients to transfer our know-how into their organizations. We do this through a highly customized combination of skill building, one-on-one as well as team coaching, and action learning projects that not only address the organization’s critical challenges but also leave people ready to continue applying systems thinking on their own.
Building Systems Thinking Capacity at TNC
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is one of the world’s largest nonprofit organizations “working to create a world where people and nature thrive.” It focuses on conserving and protecting lands and waters all around the globe and has had impact in over 70 countries and territories.
TNC embarked on a multi-year internal capacity building in Systems Thinking in order to profoundly enhance the ability of leaders in The Nature Conservancy to facilitate social and environmental change. The program focused on:
Deepening technical systems thinking skills and building confidence in applying systems thinking tools and frameworks to TNC change projects
Learning a common language for thinking systemically
Integrating systems thinking with other internal change strategies and learning disciplines to facilitate a comprehensive approach for sustainable success
Learning to lead as well as facilitate groups to work systemically on change problems
“David and Mike have helped our executives and program managers build their ability to apply systems thinking to meet some of our most pressing internal and external challenges. Perhaps most importantly, they have provided us with the skills we need to carry this critical work forward without them.”
― MICHAEL TETREAULT ― CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
capacity building
The Systems Thinking Capacity Building Program Includes:
Face-to-face intensive training
spread out over approximately 6-9 months where participants develop both technical systems thinking abilities and the change leadership skills required to effectively apply them with stakeholders.
Action learning projects
Where participant teams identify organizational change projects, apply Systems Thinking to achieve breakthrough change, and learn from live experience
Support
where participants receive both peer as well as direct feedback from Michael and David
Learn More about Systems Thinking, checkout out this blog
Achieve sustainable breakthroughs around your most compelling business, social, and environmental issues by working with us using applied systems thinking
“In 2018, the Mary Black Foundation was introduced to the idea of systems thinking as a means of creating greater understanding of the issues that we sought to address through our philanthropic work. Working with Michael Goodman of Applied Systems Thinking has accelerated our ability to apply a systems approach to our work and that of our partners. We are much more equipped to understand and address the persistent issues in our community, and develop meaningful resolve for intended change. Michael is an insightful, open, patient, and generous partner in our learning, and working with him has been a rewarding experience that will yield dividends for the Foundation and the community we serve for years to come.”
Keisha Gray and Natalia Valenzuela Swanson, Program Directors
Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg, SC
“David and Michael have been instrumental in helping Interise design a systems approach for our Leadership in Equitable Anchor Procurement (LEAP) program. Thanks to David and Michael we have a process for mobilizing the diverse stakeholders who represent the supplier diversity ecosystem to shift from understanding what is required for success to taking actions that lead to system change. We have engaged David and Michael for several projects and highly recommend them.”