How systems thinking can serve people in
Collective Impact Organizations
By definition collective impact is about bringing multiple sectors together with a shared agenda, using a coordinated strategy to achieve a significant, lasting impact that is greater than any one entity could do alone. Collective impact is made possible through common language, shared purpose and a clear picture of the desired results, all things that are better achieved using a systems thinking approach.
Systems Thinking in Action
There is an incredible synergy between systems thinking and collective impact. Waters Center provides facilitation for a number of efforts that bring different entities together to achieve a desired aim. A collaboration between community colleges and the local university produced an accessible, articulated academic pathway from associate degree to doctorate in early childhood education. The work was initiated and organized by a non-profit charged with improving professional learning for early childhood educators. They recognized the need and employed a systems approach to bring about a very major change.
Interested in learning more about systems thinking and the Waters Center's services?
Schedule a 15-minute inquiry call with a Waters Center staff memberor email us at info@waterscenterst.org
Outcomes
Outcomes that result from a collective impact process infused with systems thinking include:
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- Positive change on complex social issues
- Aligning mental models around a shared result
- Increased engagement
- A better understanding of the actual problem
- A more substantial impact than could be achieved by individual results alone