Presentation by Sara Schley with Linda Booth Sweeney for the planning committee in anticipation of their workshop at NESEA's Building Energy 2012 Conference

1. NESEA: Intro to Systems Thinking
with Sara Schley, www.seedsystems.net, October 25, 2011

2. Definition:
A system is an interconnected set of

3. It’s all about me!

4. I’ve got this one figured out on my own!

5. I handled that one!
5

6. Oops

7. Leverage Point =
Biggest “bang for the buck
“Let’s remember
that one!”

8. Fundamental Systems Principles
1. Highlyinterdependent look to build
collaborative partnerships
2. Whole is greater than the sum of
its parts, aka synergy look for opportunities to collaborate.
3. Improvement happens throughfeedback  seek
opportunities to learn and revise.
4. Actions and results are separated in type and
space  look for unintended consequences.
5. We can accelerate change  act on leverage points.
Adapted from www.lindaboothsweeney.net

9. Iceberg:
A Deep Systems Approach to Transformation
Increasing Leverage
Events We observe seemingly random data.
What we see on the surface.
We notice that the events form a
Patterns
pattern that repeats itself over time.
Systemic We identify systems loops or
Structures “archetypes” that underlay that pattern.
Mental Models We uncover the deep beliefs
that hold that systemic structure in place.
We become aware of the emotions*
Deep Feelings that are fostering our mental models.
Vision We articulate our aspiration for the
world we want.

10. Iceberg:
Carbon story: business as usual
Increasing Leverage
We drive, turn on lights, use electronics,
Events
get cool in the summer &
warm in the winter.
Patterns Fossil fuel use increasing,
C02 concentration rising in atmosphere.
Systemic
Carbon reinforcing loop dynamic.*
Structures
More is better, all growth is good growth
Mental Models There’s not enough for everyone. Make
sure I get mine.
Deep Feelings Fear of scarcity.
Vision Unlimited Material Growth to
Maximize Prosperity.

11. Iceberg:
Carbon story: with a new vision
Increasing Leverage
Solar panels, wind generators, rail travel,
Events
“local heros,” and more.
Patterns C02 decreases in the atmosphere
Systemic Renewable energy use reinforcing loop.*
Structures Compassion reinforcing loop.
We are all interdependent in web of life.
Mental Models We create an economy, ecology &society
that works for all.
Deep Feelings .
“Love all the children”
connection to all.
Vision A planet where all
life thrives.

12. Seeing isolated “events”
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/open_clusters.html
www.lindaboothsweeney.net
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/open_clusters.html

13. Seeing Patterns
www.lindaboothsweeney.net
Source: www.nasa.gov

14. Systems Thinking in Action
1. Vision/Purpose:
2. Sketch key 3. Name the essential
Describe/Refine
trends variables that may be
your desired state
driving the trend.
Understanding
4. Make the system
10. Share results systems visible (via causal
get feedback, learn maps)
Taking action Mapping 5. Share, test &
in systems revise maps
9. Create and systems
implement strategic
plan
6. Look for
leverage
8. Identify and
prioritize strategic 7. From leverage points,
goals and leverage engage diverse
points stakeholders
Sweeney&Schley2011

15. Thinking in Systems for Sustainability at Nike
Developed by Team Shambhala at Nike, 2000