Simplifying talking about complex systems

By Dr Laura Batatota
3-min read

Talking about complex systems change can be well… complex. This isn’t necessarily how complex systems work per se, but because of how we talk about systems. Unpacking the jargon and pinning down how we talk about systems change takes time and concerted effort. This is because it’s very easy to talk in buzzwords, however, it’s much harder to explain in simple terms what systems work is, let alone measuring or evaluating it.

In September, we delivered a webinar on complex systems (you can watch it here), which focused on talking about making systems change work both understandable and accessible.

You already do the work; find the space to bounce ideas

We found that everyone who attended the webinar was already doing systems work. Some came along thinking that they needed to make a start, but after connecting with others realised they were already on the journey. Unsurprisingly, many shared very similar challenges, whether it was articulating how they were working towards systems change or evidencing it.

For us, it’s not necessarily about teaching people how to do systems work, rather using online spaces to share learning and ideas. A lot of the time, having an hour to listen, reflect, and plan feels like a luxury. We became acutely aware of this during the webinar because people had so many ideas to share, which made us realise that we need to cultivate more spaces for reflection and knowledge sharing.

Part of what we like to do is bridge and instigate conversations that cross sectors and contexts. We also like to develop tools such as the Systems Change worksheet as tangible and practical ‘takeaways’ that participants can take away and embed.

What was important was to emphasise that systems change is hard and even harder to measure. It is messy and often knowing where to start can be a big stress point. However, it is possible, you don’t need a PhD and once you give yourself the time and space to think about what you are doing, you are on your way.

Everyone’s favourite systems change visual

Well, it’s our favourite diagram!
By drawing on the Berkana Two Loop Model, the webinar reiterated just how systems change occurs on the ground and across different sectors and regions across the UK.

Fewer gatekeepers, please!

As a learning-driven organisation, the webinar reiterated that we need to be careful in framing ourselves as ‘experts’ in the field of systems change. Instead, our role is to convene and forge a community of systems change makers and learn from systems change work that is happening. A key point for us was to piece together insights into how individuals and practitioners are facilitating systems change. Also, to draw out themes in the common levers (actions that activate change) and conditions that are needed to effect meaningful and sustainable systems change.

Come along to our next session

We love a bit of knowledge mobilisation (turning research/best practice into action) at Habitus Collective. We believe interactive learning and sharing our new knowledge can instigate lots of ideas and ways of testing and trialling new ways of working. It gives confidence to people and organisations that feel excluded by academic terms and sector jargon.

Change in a system isn't always clear as it can occur at both different times and speeds. Evaluating system change is complicated by the fact that change doesn't happen in a straight line, appearing to take backward steps at times.

At Habitus, we excel in providing our clients with the knowledge and means to evidence often non-tangible system change concepts and outcomes to various stakeholders, including funders, senior leaders, trustees, oversight bodies and central government departments.

Find out more about what we do by clicking the button below.