Systems Mapping
Systems Mapping is a visual technique for drawing out how the parts of a situation connect to each other and influence each other over time. The group picks a specific problem, then maps the variables that matter, draws arrows to show cause and effect, marks each arrow with a plus or minus to show whether the effect pushes in the same direction or the opposite, and then looks for the loops.
✓ Created by former KPMG & McKinsey consultants
What You'll Achieve with the Systems Mapping Workshop
Real outcomes that transform your team
Enhanced understanding of complex interdependencies within a problem.
Identification of key feedback loops influencing the situation.
Development of a shared mental model among team members.
When to Use the Systems Mapping Workshop
Perfect for these situations and team challenges
When a group is stuck on a recurring problem that resists solutions.
To build shared understanding across departments with differing perspectives on an issue.
How the Systems Mapping Workshop Works
A step-by-step breakdown of the workshop process
1Setup
In this initial phase, participants establish the focusing question, sketch a reference mode, and prepare materials for mapping.
2Step 1: Orient the Group
Participants are introduced to essential terminology such as variables, arrows, and loops, ensuring everyone understands the basics needed to engage in the process.
3Step 2: Generate Variables
The group works individually to write down variables that influence the situation, followed by a collective sharing and clustering of these variables.
4Step 3: Draw the Connections
Participants draw cause-and-effect arrows between the identified variables, marking each with a plus or minus to indicate the direction of influence.
Key Topics Covered in the Systems Mapping Workshop
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