Systems Thinking for Women in Public Leadership Training Course

Introduction

In today's interconnected public sector, challenges are rarely isolated; they are intricate webs of interdependent factors, demanding leaders who can see beyond immediate problems to understand underlying dynamics. This intensive 5-day training course is meticulously designed to equip women in public leadership with the powerful discipline of Systems Thinking, enabling them to analyze complex public policy issues, anticipate unintended consequences, and design more holistic, sustainable, and effective interventions that address root causes rather than just symptoms.

This program moves beyond linear problem-solving, focusing on the unique insights women leaders can bring to understanding complex systems, fostering collaboration, and driving systemic change. Participants will gain actionable strategies for mapping system structures, identifying leverage points, facilitating cross-sectoral dialogue, and leading with a comprehensive perspective that fosters resilience, innovation, and ultimately, more impactful and equitable public service delivery.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

  • Women in Mid to Senior-Level Public Leadership Roles
  • Aspiring Women Leaders in Government and Public Institutions
  • Policy Makers, Planners, and Analysts
  • Leaders in Public Service Delivery and Program Management
  • Professionals Committed to Driving Sustainable Public Sector Solutions.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the core principles and benefits of Systems Thinking for public leaders.
  • Analyze complex public sector challenges as interconnected systems.
  • Identify leverage points for effective and sustainable policy interventions.
  • Apply systems thinking tools to improve decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Lead initiatives that foster a more holistic and integrated approach to public service.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Systems Thinking for Public Leaders

  • Defining Systems Thinking: Seeing Interconnections and Wholes
  • Why Systems Thinking is Critical for Public Sector Challenges (e.g., healthcare, education, poverty)
  • Moving Beyond Linear Cause-and-Effect to Circular Thinking
  • The Role of Women Leaders in Championing Holistic Perspectives
  • Core Concepts: Feedback Loops, Stocks and Flows, Delays

Module 2: Mapping System Structures and Dynamics

  • Causal Loop Diagrams: Visualizing Relationships and Feedback
  • Identifying Positive and Negative Feedback Loops
  • Understanding Stocks, Flows, and Accumulations in Public Systems
  • Archetypes of System Behavior (e.g., Fixes That Fail, Shifting the Burden)
  • Practical Application: Mapping a Public Policy Challenge

Module 3: Identifying Leverage Points and Root Causes

  • The Concept of Leverage Points in Complex Systems
  • Differentiating Symptoms from Root Causes in Public Problems
  • Techniques for Identifying High-Leverage Interventions
  • Avoiding Unintended Consequences of Policy Actions
  • Case Studies in Systems-Based Problem Solving

Module 4: Decision-Making in Complex Systems

  • Systems Thinking for Improved Policy Design and Implementation
  • Anticipating Long-Term Effects and Trade-offs of Decisions
  • Using Systems Models for Policy Simulation and Scenario Planning
  • Dealing with Uncertainty and Ambiguity in Public Decision-Making
  • Enhancing Collaborative Decision-Making through Systems Understanding

Module 5: Mental Models and Their Impact on Public Systems

  • Understanding Mental Models: How They Shape Perception and Action
  • Identifying Your Own and Others' Mental Models About Public Issues
  • Strategies for Challenging and Shifting Limiting Mental Models
  • Fostering a Learning Culture in Public Institutions
  • The Role of Dialogue and Reflection in Systems Thinking

Module 6: Collaboration and Cross-Sectoral Systems Change

  • Leading Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Systemic Issues
  • Breaking Down Silos and Fostering Inter-Agency Integration
  • Building Shared Understanding of Complex Problems Across Sectors
  • Facilitating Dialogue and Consensus Among Diverse Stakeholders
  • Designing Collaborative Governance Mechanisms

Module 7: Systemic Resilience and Adaptability in Public Service

  • Building Robust and Adaptive Public Systems
  • Strategies for Enhancing Resilience to Shocks and Crises
  • Promoting Innovation and Experimentation within Public Systems
  • Learning from Systemic Failures and Successes
  • Designing for Long-Term Sustainability and Equity

Module 8: Leading with a Systems Mindset and Sustaining Impact

  • The Systems Thinker as a Public Leader: Vision, Influence, Facilitation
  • Communicating Complex System Insights Effectively
  • Embedding Systems Thinking into Organizational Culture and Practices
  • Personal Resilience and Well-being for Systems Leaders
  • Developing a Personal Action Plan for Applying Systems Thinking in Your Role

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Systems Thinking For Women In Public Leadership Training Course in Kenya
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