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Discover how systems thinking shows the structure of everything...seriously.

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Systems Mapping

Systems Mapping (ST201) makes systems thinking visible and tangible. In this course you will learn systems mapping techniques using Plectica software.

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Step 1

Systems Thinking

Introduction to Systems Thinking (ST101) is a first course in systems thinking and is intended for those unfamiliar with the topic. In this course, we discuss DSRP Theory, mental models, the ST loop, and more.

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Step 3

Systems Leadership

In Systems Leadership (ST301), you will learn to applying systems thinking and systems mapping to drive adaptive organizations, lead cultural change, and optimize productivity.

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Mind Blowing Ideas

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Trusted Research

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Engaging Professors

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Certificate of Completion

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Live Support & Resources

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Hands On & Practical

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Online learning designed for you.

We've translated up-to-date science into an easily digestible format that you'll love.

 

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Over 100,000 students and counting.

Ideas Worth Sharing

"These ideas are valuable at individual, team, and enterprise levels."

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Matt Chadsey
Founder & Consultant | Nonlinear Ventures

Immediately Applicable

"I can already see these ideas having vast applicability. It should be core curriculum in business education."

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Dave Silberman
Chief Development Officer | RedLeaf Ventures & Advanta Analytical Laboratories

Comprehensive Yet Simple

"It is a comprehensive, yet simple introduction. Even if I didn't continue on the certification process I have developed basic system thinking skills."

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Tomi Schwandt
Political Science Instructor | Fort Hays State University

Accessible Content

"For someone new to systems thinking, the concepts covered here are less complicated than some training or books which jump quickly into concepts more akin to system dynamics."

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Matthew Bellm
Manufacturing Training Specialist | Sterling Pharma Solutions
course listing
 

Courses we offer.

A snapshot of what Cabrera Research Lab can teach you.

ST101
 

Intro to Systems Thinking

To succeed and thrive in today’s increasingly interconnected world, the ability to understand complex systems, think fluidly, and solve complex problems is essential. Systems Thinking 101 (ST101) is a self-paced online course that provides concrete systems thinking tools you can apply to analyze complex situations. You’ll be able to integrate systems thinking concepts, principles, and practices to improve existing processes, operations, and thinking patterns. Based on their ground-breaking empirical research, Cornell University faculty, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera will guide you each step of the way toward a better understanding of how you think and how systems work and how you can better understand the complexities of the modern world.

Course Description

$99

Key Features
  • Online, 5-6 hours
  • Self-paced, access to community network
  • Certificate of completion, open enrollment
  • Highly interactive exercises
  • Prerequisite: none
Course details
Enroll now
Bulk enrollment for organizations
ST201
 

Systems Mapping

Systems Mapping is an essential and deeply practical skill that makes Systems Thinking visible and tangible. Once you've been introduced to the basic concepts in Systems Thinking 101 (ST101) it's time to visualize it with Systems Mapping 201 (ST201). ST201 is a self-paced online course taught by Cornell University faculty, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera. In this course, you'll learn how to map any system, regardless of their level of complexity. Get ready to use hands-on examples in Plectica Systems Mapping software, allowing you to practice making beautiful and easily understandable maps. You'll learn skills that you can use in any software or medium including whiteboarding or on the back of a napkin. 

Course Description

$99

Key Features
  • Online, 5-6 hours
  • Self-paced, access to community network
  • Certificate of completion, open enrollment
  • Highly interactive exercises
  • Prerequisite: none, ST101 recommended
Course details
Enroll now
Bulk enrollment for organizations
ST301
 

Systems Leadership

To round out your experience in Systems Thinking (ST101) and Systems Mapping (ST201), you must learn how to apply these skills to your organization with Systems Leadership 301 (ST301). ST301 covers the specific skills and steps needed to design, manage, and lead adaptive organizations and teams and how to bring about cultural change. In this self-paced online course taught by Cornell University faculty, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera, you’ll learn how to build an effective vision, mission, capacity map, and learning systems in order to maximize the productivity and culture of your organization. Learn the systems approach to change management.

Course Description

$99

Key Features
  • Online, 5-6 hours
  • Self-paced, access to community network
  • Certificate of completion, open enrollment
  • Highly interactive exercises
  • Prerequisite: none, ST101 & ST201 recommended
Course details
Enroll now
Bulk enrollment for organizations
ST500
 

Advanced Practitioner 

The Advanced Practitioner certification course offers advanced applications of all of the concepts taught in the previous online trainings; it is highly interactive, hands-on, and cohort based. It is also taught LIVE online with peers in a cohort to work with and learn from. In addition, completion of the course, provides access to free resources, including slide decks you can adapt, and ongoing support as needed.

Course Description

$2500

Key Features
  • Cohort-based & online LIVE
  • 4 days (8 half-days or 32 hours) 
  • Systems Trainer Certificate
  • Highly interactive & access to private community channel 
  • Selective enrollment. Prerequisites: ST101, ST201, ST301
Course details
Enroll now
Bulk enrollment for organizations
ST900
 

Master Practitioner 

The Master Practitioner certification course centers around an advanced application of Systems Thinking (DSRP), Mapping and/or Leadership (VMCL) to a project of your interest. The goal is to produce an original contribution to our understanding of these ideas, but in a manner that leads to a tangible work product that is directly relevant to you. Some examples of final projects include: 1) Establishing a new non-profit that integrates different approaches to patient management and empowers patient's and their families to be better advocates during health crises; 2) creating a set of "micro-credentials" related to systems thinking and leadership for widespread use; 3) examining and articulating a new way to teach the Obeya Process (related to lean management) using VMCL; and 4) creating a new curriculum using Systems Thinking to better teach Economic Analyses. The time commitment is only 2 meetings a-month (one with Drs. Cabrera to focus on your specific project), and another with your cohort group to allow for peer input, and some additional materials to discuss as needed. The course takes between 6-12 months to complete, and is largely self-paced and driven by you with our intensive feedback and guidance.

Course Description

$7500

Key Features
  • Online, 5-6 hours
  • Self-paced, access to community network
  • Certificate of completion, open enrollment
  • Highly interactive exercises
  • Prerequisite: none, ST101 & ST201 recommended
Course details
Enroll now
Bulk enrollment for organizations
Micro Courses for Micro Credentials
 

Want even more?

Give us 20 minutes, we'll transform your thinking in a bit size format.

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Intro to Jigs

Jigs are re-useable structures of knowledge and thinking that increase cognitive efficiency. Think of a jig as a common conceptual template that can be used over and over again in your thinking. Most folks tell us that jigs really help them do Systems Thinking. This intro to jigs is recommended before doing other jig micros.

 

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ST Loop

The Systems Thinking Loop ("ST Loop") is perhaps the most important of all the images because it describes WHAT systems thinking really is and HOW to do it. The net net: seek feedback from the real world to better align your mental models of systems with how those systems actually exist. This deepens your understanding of any issue, and leads to better solutions that address the problem.

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P-Circle

A “P-Circle” is a powerful cognitive template that simply reminds you to create a “circle of perspectives” around whatever issue, problem, or system you are interested in understanding better. P-circles are immensely useful for any number of problems and issues and therefore can be used to truly ‘see’ areas of agreement and disagreement to find common ground.

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RDS

The RDS stands for "Relationship-Distinction-System" and it's used to solve all kinds of problems from complex interpersonal social dynamics, to innovation, to silos in organizations. In essence, when looking at a system, we often focus on the nodes and ignore the lines (relationships) - systems thinkers examine the relationship (R) by naming it (D) and articulating its parts (S).

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