Systemic thinking is comprised of systems thinking, critical thinking, and design thinking. We believe that public sector organizations, especially those serving vulnerable populations, can become vibrant organizations by applying systemic thinking. Vibrant organizations are those that actively seek diverse perspectives, creating sustainable social systems positioned to transform communities and lives.

We shape systemic thinking and its application by contextualizing it within five social system practices: Depicting the System, Evaluating the System, Collaborating Within and Across Systems, Developing a Systemic Culture, and Designing a Systemic Future. We discuss each of these practices, present case studies, and include practical, one-page tools designed to support the development of systemic thinking. The systemic thinking tools are based on foundational literature to support the five practices described.

For each of the chapters about a practice, one-page tools are provided to enact the practice in a proactive and inclusive manner. Example tools include: Eight Rules for Visualizing Your System Definition, Formative Feedback Loops, Social Capital Mapping Tool, Project Roles Tool, and Meeting Management Checklist. Integrating these important practices of managing a social system and using the tools support the creation of a vibrant organization.

Sheila has served as a consultant to government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations for 30 years. She served on the faculty of the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University, where she co-designed and instructed the online Certified Public Manager program, serving federal, tribal, state, county, and municipal government professionals.

Tracey is a public sector management consultant. She hasworked in nonprofit organizations providing direct service to adults from vulnerable populations. She has also worked in adult education designing instruction for public managers. Tracey has a PhD in workforce education from Old Dominion University and a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University.

Phil is a Professor in the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He has served as a teacher, teacher educator, and administrator in secondary and post-secondary education for over thirty years. His research focuses on curriculum development and implementation in workforce education.