Seeing and Using the Big Picture
Structural Dynamics Approach to Strategic Planning

Enrollment for Dec 4 is now closed. 
Check back for future dates to be scheduled.




 
 
Structural Dynamics…
  • is a practical approach for dealing with the “big picture.”
  • combines the rigor of systems analysis and the creativity of scenario planning to develop insight and foresight. 
  • focuses on understanding the whole by examining the cause-and-effect relationships among the forces driving the future into the present.
  • helps determine high leverage actions to bring about the future we want.
  • is applicable in all aspects of life, on the job and off; across economic sectors and organizational types

Content and Approach of the Course

The course style is highly interactive and a case example is used throughout. We use the Structural Dynamics elements in small group exercises and practice proposed interventions under a variety of conditions. The process is analytical and rigorous, but not mathematical, scientific, or economic in nature. It does not use computer modeling or simulations.  There are no pre-requisites.  Click to view the slides used in the course [open with  PowerPoint].


Who attends?

Organizational leaders, strategy professionals, healthcare professionals, educators, academics, government representatives, internal and external change agents, and anyone interested in shaping the future of a system they care about.

Duration...

One day - 8:15 to 5:30


Workshop objectives...

  • To increase understanding of the dynamic forces in play in an organization's environment
  • To gain insight into current issues through activities designed to develop skills and innovative thinking
  • To develop the ability to help a team understand complex situations

What Participants Say...

Participants’ comments demonstrate that they find the workshop very useful and they anticipate applying their learnings to their own lives and organizational contexts:
  • I cannot say enough good things about this workshop.  
  • Great delineation of the tool from concepts that previously had not been considered
  • Well planned, well designed, coherent workshop balancing input and interaction
  • The program introduced me to a useful tool which can be used in my work with clients giving structure and methodology to the process of strategic planning and vision development.
  • I got a real "Ah Ha!" from seeing how wedded I am to my assumptions about the future.  That alone made the workshop worthwhile.
  • The workshop has the capacity to capture the "imagination" that stems from sound awareness of structural dynamics.
  • Highly innovative.
  • I enjoy this type of learning, a mix of theory, practice, process and outcome.  It tied each together with examples and exercises.
  • Well organized & "systematic," well paced.
  • A fresh perspective of systems thinking.
  • Key learning:  the value of alternative future scenarios for the development of robust strategies
  • Expanded systems thinking into a very hands-on, effective tool in management
  • Since my personal tendency is to push for closure prematurely, seeing that the implications of influences that are not always obvious is an important insight for me.
  • Mapping the connections between the driving forces was fascinating.
  • Showed me the connection between mapping systemic structure for leverage to a vision and mapping for an evolving potential future.
  • Well done, well formulated process.
  • Will help me to become a more visionary leader.
  • This experience was worth every second spent!
  • Thank you for the eye opening workshop.
For an overview of the May 2007 workshop, click here.


Sign up...



Up coming Introduction to Structural Dynamics Workshops:




Enrollment for Dec 4 is now closed. 
Check back for future dates to be scheduled.

For more on Structural Dynamics


Art of the Future's article on Structural Dynamics Creating Strategic Advantage with Dynamic Scenarios was published  in Strategy & Leadership magazine.




















































Back to