This is the sixth article in my 8-week series exploring foundational systems thinking concepts, written for the 2025 RE-AMP Systems Thinking Academy. Whether you’re following along with the series or diving deep into systems practice, this article explores Adaptive Action — a simple but profound rhythm for engaging with complexity. Learn more about the Academy…
How do you know whether a situation calls for planning or emergence? The Stacey Matrix offers a pattern-sensing guide for understanding different types of complexity. By mapping agreement and certainty levels, you can choose approaches that fit the conditions—from simple solutions to navigating chaos.
Why does change feel so elusive, even when there’s abundant good will? The answer lies in shared paradigms—the invisible architectures of meaning that govern what we notice, ignore, and believe is possible. Discover why paradigm shifts are the most potent point of intervention for lasting systemic transformation
Why do we get stuck even when our hearts are in the right place? Systems thinking starts with understanding how our mental habits unconsciously reinforce the very patterns we want to change.
Deepen your systems practice alongside RE-AMP Network members in this unique Academy experience. Over 8 weeks, I’ll share the foundational articles written for this spring’s Systems Thinking Academy — concepts that help us shift from mechanistic thinking to working skillfully with complex adaptive systems. Perfect for network practitioners ready to practice the relational art of holding systems thinking steady when complexity gets uncomfortable.
Social System Mapping is about systemic transformation. It’s about supporting strong networks of change-agents who are justice-informed and complexity-wise.
For those of us who don’t resonate to Harvey McKay’s ‘Swim With the Sharks’ and that ilk – the default, mainstream meaning of ‘networking’ can be a big turn-off . We’ve come to understand it as a specific, often self-serving, not-necessarily-authentic, social butterflying kind of activity.
How place, process, relationships and tools support culture change for the 21st century – An interview with Network Weaving pioneer June Holley.