An Introduction to Systems Thinking

 

Systems thinking

The founder of Whole School Leadership, LLC, Kathy Minardi spent nearly two decades as the head of a Montessori school. Kathy Minardi’s areas of interest include systems thinking.

Systems thinking refers to the practice of analyzing and understanding a subject according to its part in a broader structure and its connection with other components of that structure. This type of thinking manifests itself in common phrases such as “looking at the big picture.”

A flexible approach to problem solving, systems thinking leads to considering an issue in depth. Systems thinkers look at elements such as assumptions about a particular subject, its interdependence with other objects, and the consequences of certain actions that might be taken. They evaluate the importance of changed perspective and already existing mental models.

However, systems thinking goes even further. Originally coined by Barry Richmond in 1987, this term refers to an ability to uncover and examine the entire structure or system behind apparently random actions. Systems thinking can then lead to imitation of systems structure, an approach known as system dynamics.

Benefits of Creating Community in the School Setting

Education

 

An educator and school leader for 40 years, Kathy Minardi has presented numerous courses on whole school leadership and emotional intelligence development for children. Kathy Minardi recently launched a new consulting group, Whole School Leadership LLC, which she developed to support wholehearted leadership and community in education.

When educational leaders strive to have their schools function as communities, children thrive not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and ethically. Studies have shown that students from schools with strong community culture tend to show care toward others more frequently, demonstrate intrinsic motivation, and avoid destructive behavior. When encouraged to develop in the elementary school years, these skills persist through middle and secondary school.

Experts suggest that this connection between community and behavior stems from the human tendency of loyalty toward those situations that meet our most basic needs. A school that emphasizes community is one that encourages children and teachers alike to make others feel safe, welcome, and nurtured. Children thrive when they live so many hours of their lives in such a secure environment, which also encourages them to develop the pro-social habits that engender future interpersonal success.