Systems Reflection

These tools can be especially helpful when reflecting on how the system(s) you are embedded in are operating. They are tools for zooming out and considering the landscape that we are trying to navigate in an effort to better understand the larger impacts of our roles, strategies and approaches.

Tools to Reflect on the System	Examples of when to use this tool
Living Systems Video How Wolves Change Rivers Nature provides us a model that systems can work effectively and productively together. We are part of systems and can also figure out how to work well. Systems are complex – we don’t always realize or anticipate the different ways things impact each other. Reflection Prompts:What stood out to you?What things happen in this video that you wouldn’t have assumed were shaped/impacted by wolves?	Can help identify the self-sustaining systems which impact our lives. Without intervention the interconnectedness maintains the status quo Helpful in surfacing how our individual fates/future are intertwined and not at odds with one another.
2 Loops Model A theory of change based upon the ideas of the living system. Useful in complex organizational change supports thinking and action relating to change helps you to place yourself in the system and see what kind of role you are playing, recognize, and connect the past to the future during a change process. Reflection prompts/guiding questions: How does the system move? How is the system operating, what does this mean for my role? 2 loops: Graphic is helpful and an activity instruction included for people to walk through the framework in the reflection folder. This helps identify where we are on the model, although we are frequently on many parts at the same time, the description of what it feels like in that space and what is happening is the guide Framework resource: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z6zeTuwutZCKLKJo3VwiEimlWBRuyZue?usp=share_link Reading: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a4ba182f9a61e9ef97e7680/t/5b7c3e726d2a734007fa0867/1534869128788/Berkana-Handout.pdf https://www.lanajelenjev.com/product-page/facilitator-s-guide-two-loops-model-berkana-institute	Used to build shared understanding when in the midst of change or preparing for change. Can help us see ourselves and roles within the upcoming shifts and disruptions. If you are asking your organization to implement new practices this is one way to show that things don’t just end, they transition and live on in different ways.

Tools to Reflect on the System

Examples of when to use this tool

Living Systems Video
How Wolves Change Rivers
Nature provides us a model that systems can work effectively and productively together. We are part of systems and can also figure out how to work well.
Systems are complex – we don’t always realize or anticipate the different ways things impact each other.
Reflection Prompts:What stood out to you?What things happen in this video that you wouldn’t have assumed were shaped/impacted by wolves?

Can help identify the self-sustaining systems which impact our lives. Without intervention the interconnectedness maintains the status quo
Helpful in surfacing how our individual fates/future are intertwined and not at odds with one another.

2 Loops Model
A theory of change based upon the ideas of the living system. Useful in complex organizational change supports thinking and action relating to change helps you to place yourself in the system and see what kind of role you are playing, recognize, and connect the past to the future during a change process.
Reflection prompts/guiding questions: How does the system move? How is the system operating, what does this mean for my role?
2 loops: Graphic is helpful and an activity instruction included for people to walk through the framework in the reflection folder. This helps identify where we are on the model, although we are frequently on many parts at the same time, the description of what it feels like in that space and what is happening is the guide
Framework resource: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z6zeTuwutZCKLKJo3VwiEimlWBRuyZue?usp=share_link
Reading:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a4ba182f9a61e9ef97e7680/t/5b7c3e726d2a734007fa0867/1534869128788/Berkana-Handout.pdf https://www.lanajelenjev.com/product-page/facilitator-s-guide-two-loops-model-berkana-institute

Used to build shared understanding when in the midst of change or preparing for change.
Can help us see ourselves and roles within the upcoming shifts and disruptions.
If you are asking your organization to implement new practices this is one way to show that things don’t just end, they transition and live on in different ways.