Systems Thinking
How two decades of experience in organizational development and systems transformation informs a collaborative approach that helps mission-driven organizations build clarity, strengthen alignment, and create sustainable change.
My approach to working with my clients is informed by my years of experience working on systems change, particularly with regard to transforming the system of philanthropy in the United States.
The definition of a system is straightforward: a group of connected parts that are organized to accomplish a shared goal. A family is a system. So is a team, or an organization. Our bodies are a system. When one part of the body is out of sync--for example, our diet is lacking, it impacts other parts of our body-our ability to think clearly, and thus our overall ability to function at our best. Similarly, when one area of an organization is underperforming or experiencing stress, it impacts the organization as a whole.
While the definition is simple, systems themselves can be complex. A system may have many different parts. The parts interact–a team and a manager, a program department and the fundraising office, or an Executive Director and a Board. If you change one part of the system, it will likely affect many others.
Systems can also be surprisingly resistant to change. Even when there is alignment around the desired change, letting go of old habits, building new practices, and actually implementing the desired change can be exceedingly difficult.
What does this mean for my work with my clients?
Curiosity: I approach my work with respect for and curiosity about my clients. I ask a lot of questions.
Thorough: One of my favorite questions is “Why?” I look beyond symptoms or behaviors to causes and relationships when it makes sense to do so.
Co-Creation: I partner closely with my clients so that we are learning and strategizing together. Strong partnership is predicated on our building a trusting relationship with each other and the entire teams of people involved in the engagement.
Short-term and long-term: I understand that a plan should include both easy wins that can be achieved relatively quickly and fuel momentum and the bigger, longer-term objectives that will require more time, resources, and persistence but will lead to sustainable change.
I believe that a strong system, whether it’s a team, initiative, or organization, is greater than the sum of its parts. I seek to work with groups that are ready and interested in bringing the whole system into alignment. My role is to provide a process that yields greater clarity, stronger alignment, and a plan that will allow you to be more effective and get closer to achieving your mission or goals.
Ready to build the organizational strength your mission deserves?
Whether you need strategic planning, board development, or help navigating specific organizational challenges, I bring 25+ years of nonprofit sector expertise plus the relational approach that gets results.