In fast-changing business environments, success depends on your ability to navigate complexity, connect the dots across teams and functions, and align diverse stakeholder interests. That requires more than technical know-how—it requires a systems mindset.

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Developing a Systems Mindset
This course is part of Leading Sustainable Community Transformation Specialization

Instructor: Joel Hartter
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(162 reviews)
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What you'll learn
Build foundational knowledge to adopt a systems mindset.
Learn to operationalize systems thinking for strategy and stakeholder engagement.
Strengthen your ability to work across functions and develop context-driven solutions.
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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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 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 13, 2020
Thorough and accessible course, relatively quick too. Enjoyed it a lot. Will be taking the other courses of the specialisation now!

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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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