A Systems Mindset teaches learners how to interact effectively as service providers, consultants, researchers, developers, or other professionals providing a service or product to a person, group, or community. This course provides the basic foundations for policy makers, real estate developers, consultants, government agencies, engineers, and non-profit organizations the first steps in engaging complex problems where engagement with communities and stakeholders is necessary. Being a successful professional requires creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial thinking, and to continually have a problem-solving mindset. Yes, absolutely! But you also need to be a listener. You need to truly value the community and stakeholders - the ones who have the most to gain and lose from your actions. It is important for you to listen, learn what is important, and then act. This course will highlight the urgency for you to have a systems mindset to engage complex problems for a systems perspective, meaning that you have approach problems from different angles, scales and perspectives. This class is the first step in creating that mindset and for you to effectively engage – from receiving the “ask” for “assistance”, to orienting yourself to the issue, understanding the community, and developing a project plan. Students will learn how to use a systems mindset to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. Students will also learn practical skills and techniques that build rapport, trust, and buy-in.
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Developing a Systems Mindset
This course is part of Leading Sustainable Community Transformation Specialization
Instructor: Joel Hartter
12,688 already enrolled
Included with 
(162 reviews)
What you'll learn
Build the core knowledge needed to build a systems mindset.
Develop the ability to operationalize systems thinking.
Learn how to understand communities and develop place based interest.
Skills you'll gain
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12 assignments
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There are 3 modules in this course
Learners build a foundation for systems thinking by exploring how parts of a system interact through feedback, inputs, outputs, and boundaries. The module introduces key terms and concepts such as scale, hierarchy, and emergent behavior. Learners examine how social and environmental systems are connected and begin to apply a systems mindset to understand landscapes, communities, and challenges more holistically.
What's included
8 videos1 reading3 assignments
Learners begin to apply systems thinking in practical settings by reflecting on their own background, bias, and role in a team. The module introduces strategies for working across functions, communicating value, and managing early phases of a project. Through tools like project planning, meeting design, and value proposition development, learners gain confidence engaging stakeholders and leading with professionalism and purpose.
What's included
10 videos1 reading4 assignments
Learners deepen their understanding of the communities they work with by observing culture, custom, and legacy. The module introduces stakeholder engagement strategies and tools to build a social and cultural profile. Learners also begin shaping their project through scoping, identifying resource needs, and developing team agreements and communication plans to support clear, thoughtful collaboration.
What's included
12 videos2 readings5 assignments
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High Tech High Graduate School of Education
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Colorado Boulder
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Colorado Boulder
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162 reviews
- 5 stars
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- 4 stars
29.62%
- 3 stars
9.25%
- 2 stars
3.08%
- 1 star
1.85%
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Reviewed on Jun 13, 2020
Really the course in itself was very informative and you get to learn many thing that you are unaware about your system mindsets.
Reviewed on Nov 8, 2021
Good course on leadership and how to build your own brand. A little bit more focused on how to do project proposals and less about leadership within an organizational structure but still helpful.
Reviewed on Jun 2, 2022
Goes through the basics very well. Easy to follow.
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