Today’s modern public health challenges are ever evolving and complex.
They require the current and incoming workforce to lead adaptable, large-scale efforts across multiple sectors through upstream interventions.
In response to these dynamic times, NWCPHP is excited to announce the launch of the Systems Thinking course.
This eight-week, live learning series introduces participants to a holistic approach to understanding and managing an organization by recognizing the complex network of interconnected elements at play, internally and externally.
Drawn from NWCPHP’s award-winning Public Health Management Certificate materials, this short course has been adapted for staff specializing in program management and other leadership roles but lacking in time to join the year-long certificate program.
The highly-engaging course is designed to be delivered over eight 90-minute sessions or approximately 12 hours. The material includes a mix of short lectures, practice with practical tools, and group discussions that encourage networking and sharing. The dates and times can be customized to meet your office environment and learning needs.
Many past participants have appreciated the intentional structure and delivery of these components.
"The breakout groups were very productive and helped me to digest, reflect, and apply concepts," noted one recent participant. Said another, "The group discussions always went well and I felt like I was able to network and get insight from public health colleagues I never would have met or worked with otherwise."
Organizational systems thinking leads to enhanced decision making, improved problem solving and a better chance at identifying root causes. It also supports increased collaboration, leadership development, and greater adaptability by considering the bigger picture at hand.
To truly gain greater competency in these critical areas, leaders need to step back from their day-to-day work and spend time with others exploring and applying these concepts to their roles.
“Systems and strategic thinking continue to be ranked among the top training areas for public health leaders,” said Barb Rose, NWCPHP Training and Outreach Manager. “This course offers a supportive environment to explore these concepts and think deeply about how they relate to our work.”
Using hands-on activities like systems mapping and strength assessments, this course helps participants more deeply examine their organizations, relationships, and projects to gain a greater capacity to lead this highly skilled work with hope and greater perspective.
“In our ever-changing world, we must be open to embracing uncertainty and discomforts. This course is an opportunity to assess and reflect on organizational systems and find paths forward to create the optimistic and meaningful future we desire,” said course instructor, Mary Kay Chess.
Visit Systems Thinking to learn more. Contact Christine Ector about this unique learning opportunity and how to bring it to your organization or team.
