How do you develop your own systems thinking skills and competencies?

Systems thinking is about curiosity and finding connections. When I started reading more about ways to help people with dyslexia, I noticed a gap in interventions: the tools are unengaging, expensive, and mostly in English. That’s when I asked myself: What if these tools could be fun and immersive? I looked for inspiration in unlikely places—movies, games, social media. Then it clicked: video games. I imagined a video game where science-backed interventions meet action-packed stories, progress tracking, and rewards—turning dreaded sessions into something learners look forward to. This idea came to life because systems thinking let me step back to see the whole problem and zoom in to build solutions.

Start by understanding the fundamental concepts of systems thinking. Read books, take online courses, and explore resources that explain how systems are interconnected and how different elements influence each other. This foundational knowledge will give you a solid base to build upon.

I believe it's valuable to revisit the origins of reductionism. I suggest reading about Thales of Miletus, Democritus, and Descartes, who, in his book "Discourse on the Method," stated: "Break down every problem into as many parts as necessary and feasible to solve it." Understanding reductionism helps us recognize the importance of systems thinking, particularly when addressing social issues. Every social problem is a system, and understanding the system requires looking beyond its parts.

> Practice "10,000-meter thinking." See the big picture by considering how your actions impact interconnected parts of a system. > Use visual tools like flowcharts or causal loops to map out complex situations. This helps identify relationships and unintended consequences. > Don't shy away from "what-if" scenarios. Simulate potential outcomes of different decisions to improve your understanding of cause-and-effect within systems.

In my experience, practising with concrete examples is essential for developing systems thinking skills. For example, when analysing a complex problem in a project, applying the principles of systems thinking in practical resolution helped me to better understand the interconnections and underlying causes.

El pensamiento sistémico implica considerar diferentes perspectivas de acercarse a un problema complejo. Para mi es fundamental no quedarme con la respuesta más obvia sino profundizar en el porqué de cada situación, buscando las causas que subyacen. Por otro lado,la flexibilidad y la atención plena, son competencias que coadyuvan a desarrollar las habilidades de pensamiento sistémico.

Apply systems thinking to real-world scenarios. Analyze case studies, work on projects, or create your own examples to see how systems thinking can be used to solve complex problems. Practicing with tangible examples helps to solidify your understanding and improve your skills.

Regularly question and reflect on your assumptions and mental models. This self-reflection can help you identify biases and gaps in your thinking, allowing you to approach problems more holistically and make more informed decisions.

Engage with a community of like-minded individuals who are also interested in systems thinking. Collaborate on projects, participate in discussions, and seek feedback from peers. Working with others can provide new perspectives, enhance your learning, and improve your systems thinking abilities.

Una de las maneras que mejor funciona para el desarrollo de habilidades es enseñar a otros sobre el tema. Incluso si no eres experto en pensamiento sistémico, realiza ejercicios para fortalecer esta habilidad y luego practícalos con otros para afianzar lo aprendido.

Look at social networks as primary resources for personal development instead of just places where people share selfies and funny videos.

After studying different experts in different domains, I noticed a pattern. Many experts have what we call meta-skills. After studying these experts, I began to develop my own meta-skills. Over a period of time, I began to spot connections where I couldn't see anything in the past. As a neo-generalist, meta-skills have helped to enhance my systems thinking: metacognition, critical thinking, holistic perspective, pattern recognition, systems mapping, flexibility, collaboration, and continuous learning. These skills help me navigate complex systems, analyse problems, and drive positive change.