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Systems Thinking For Executives and Leaders

Get Access to Pre Reading Material

Introduction to Systems Thinking (PDF • 12 pages)
The Fifth Discipline - Chapter 1 (PDF • 18 pages)
Mental Models for Leaders (PDF • 8 pages)
Understanding Feedback Loops (PDF • 10 pages)
20+ PDFs

Systems Thinking For Executives and Leaders

Master the art of seeing the bigger picture and making strategic decisions that create lasting organizational impact.

4 Days Duration
In-person live Live Sessions
27 Documents Pre-read Materials

Pre-Course Preparation

There are 5 modules in this executive program (including 1 pre-course module)

0
Pre-Read Material
Pre-Course

Session Topics

Introduction to Systems Thinking: Key Concepts and History

Live Session

Reading: 'The Fifth Discipline' by Peter Senge (Selected Chapters)

Live Session

Case Study: The Beer Game - Understanding System Delays

Live Session

Video: Donella Meadows on Leverage Points in Systems

Live Session

Self-Assessment: Your Current Mental Models and Assumptions

Live Session

Pre-Course Survey: Organizational Challenges You're Facing

Live Session

Get Access to Pre Reading Material

Introduction to Systems Thinking (PDF • 12 pages)
The Fifth Discipline - Chapter 1 (PDF • 18 pages)
Mental Models for Leaders (PDF • 8 pages)
Understanding Feedback Loops (PDF • 10 pages)
20+ PDFs

Course Curriculum

There are 5 modules in this executive program (including 1 pre-course module)

1
Foundations of Systems Thinking
Day 1

Session Topics

Introduction to systems theory and complexity

Live Session

Linear vs. systems thinking mindsets

Live Session

Identifying system boundaries and stakeholders

Live Session

Case study: Organizational systems in action

Live Session

2
System Dynamics and Patterns
Day 2

Session Topics

Feedback loops: reinforcing and balancing

Live Session

Understanding delays and unintended consequences

Live Session

Stock and flow diagrams

Live Session

Workshop: Mapping your organization's systems

Live Session

3
Leverage Points and Intervention Strategies
Day 3

Session Topics

Finding high-leverage intervention points

Live Session

Mental models and paradigm shifts

Live Session

Resistance to change in complex systems

Live Session

Designing effective interventions

Live Session

4
Leading Systemic Change
Day 4

Session Topics

Change management through a systems lens

Live Session

Building adaptive organizations

Live Session

Communication and stakeholder alignment

Live Session

Capstone project: Systems change proposal

Live Session

Ready to transform your leadership approach?

Join the next cohort and develop the systems thinking capabilities that top executives use to navigate complexity.

Meet Your Instructor

Learn from an experienced practitioner with decades of systems thinking application

Manish Jain

Founder and CEO, SDLC.Works | Creator, SystemsWay School of Leadership and Management

Manish Jain is an Applied Organizational Theorist driven by one haunting question: Why do people design systems in which they themselves suffer? His search for answers revealed a shocking truth: while every methodology sold to corporations is based on Systems Thinking, everyone sells methodology but not the thinking that should go along with it. His journey began with a simple yet profound question: Why do people suffer in systems they themselves have created? The inquiry extended to why employees complain about workplace systems they helped develop, and why citizens are dissatisfied with their country's systems. Despite having the power to fix these systems, people often experience issues like poor quality, low productivity, and failed projects — almost as if sabotaged by outsiders. Manish realized the root lies in a fundamental misunderstanding of how systems work. People instinctively create systems but often fail to understand their dynamics. He established SystemsWay to help people learn how to design, operate, and manage the systems they are a part of.

What our clients say

We have been working with clients around the world

"This course fundamentally changed how I approach strategic decisions."

MC

Michael Chen

Chief Strategy Officer

"I now see the interconnections in my organization that I was blind to before."

JR

Jennifer Rodriguez

VP of Operations

"Learning alongside other executives provided perspectives I would never have gained otherwise."

DO

David Okonkwo

Executive Director

"The tools and frameworks I learned have become essential to our leadership team."

LT

Lisa Thompson

CEO

"A transformative experience that every leader should have."

RM

Robert Martinez

Managing Director

"The practical applications made complex concepts immediately actionable."

SK

Sarah Kim

COO

"This course fundamentally changed how I approach strategic decisions."

MC

Michael Chen

Chief Strategy Officer

"I now see the interconnections in my organization that I was blind to before."

JR

Jennifer Rodriguez

VP of Operations

"Learning alongside other executives provided perspectives I would never have gained otherwise."

DO

David Okonkwo

Executive Director

"The tools and frameworks I learned have become essential to our leadership team."

LT

Lisa Thompson

CEO

"A transformative experience that every leader should have."

RM

Robert Martinez

Managing Director

"The practical applications made complex concepts immediately actionable."

SK

Sarah Kim

COO

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Find answers to common inquiries about the course.

Common Questions

Who is this course designed for?
This course is designed for C-suite executives, senior leaders, directors, and managers who need to navigate organizational complexity, drive strategic initiatives, and lead transformative change. It's ideal for those responsible for cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide decision-making.
What are the prerequisites for this course?
There are no formal prerequisites, though participants should have at least 5-7 years of leadership experience. A genuine interest in understanding complexity and improving organizational effectiveness is essential. The course welcomes leaders from all industries and sectors.
Is the course offered online or in-person?
This is an in-person live course designed to maximize interaction, networking, and hands-on learning. The intimate setting allows for deep discussion, peer learning, and real-time feedback from the instructor and fellow participants.
What is the time commitment?
The course runs for 8 weeks with sessions typically held once per week. You should expect to dedicate 4-6 hours per week, including class time, readings, group work, and individual reflection. The schedule is designed to accommodate busy executive calendars.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, participants who complete all course requirements will receive a certificate of completion. This includes attending all sessions, participating in group discussions, and completing the capstone project.
Can I apply the concepts to my current challenges?
Absolutely! The course is highly practical and application-focused. You'll have opportunities to work on real challenges from your organization throughout the program. The capstone project is specifically designed around a systems change initiative relevant to your work.
What is the cohort size?
We keep cohorts small (maximum 25 participants) to ensure personalized attention, rich discussion, and strong peer connections. This intimate setting allows for deeper learning and networking.
What is the tuition for this course?
Please click the 'Express Interest' button or 'Ask Question' to receive detailed information about tuition, payment options, and any early bird or group discounts that may be available.

Still have questions? We're here to help!

Reach out and we'll follow up with course details and answers.

SDLC.works courses are transformative and it reflects in each and every

testimonials

we receive.