Understand systems thinking and apply it to your specific challenges.
During Agile transformations, we discovered many bottlenecks across departments. Our solutions were often disorganized and focused on quick fixes rather than strategic improvements. We lacked a framework to understand how different parts of our system influenced each other. This led us to system thinking.
In this hands-on, 2-hour workshop we will transform how participants can change their approach through practical systems thinking exercise. They'll participate in the "Community Maze" simulation in two groups of 10. Each team navigates a complex system with hidden rules, discovering how actions in one area unexpectedly impact others. We'll debrief on how this mirrors software development challenges, drawing parallels to our real-world experiences.
Later on participants will have a chance to learn how to create causal loop diagrams using simplified case studies from their real projects. They will practice identifying key system archetypes that commonly appear in software development. They will receive a toolkit template to document patterns they recognize in their own work environments.
We combine fun, interactive exercises with practical concepts. Participants will leave with a better understanding of systems thinking concepts and practical applications for their specific challenges. The workshop concludes with each person identifying how they'll use these insights in their daily work.
