E16: Striving for Reflective and Reflexive Learning Through Systems Thinking

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as EDI Strategist, Michelle Ni Dochartaigh-Derbich and Provost and Vice President of Academic, Samantha Lenci, discuss the value of Systems Thinking. In this passionate, insightful and sobering dialogue, the pair speak candidly about when Systems Thinking excels, and what a breakdown in Systems Thinking looks like—specifically, parachuting cats!

During the podcast, Michelle references the following: 

• Operation Cat Drop 

• Rumi’s poem, Out Beyond Ideas 
• Peter Senge’s story about little kids fighting on the playground 
• The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday 

Michelle also recommends the following: 

• For those in decision-making positions interested in learning about questioning experts, look at Critical Systems Heuristics, founded by Werner Ulrich 
• For anyone interested in Systems Thinking, check out Open University for free online courses on Systems Thinking 

• Perhaps even learning to play the traditional Irish bodhrán (bow-rawn) drum! 

During the podcast, Samantha references the following: 

• David Stroh’s book, Systems Thinking for Social Change 
• Wolves in Yellowstone 

•  Less Nessman and The Infamous WKRP Thanksgiving Turkey Drop 
• The Ladder of Inference from Peter Senge’s book, The Fifth Discipline
  
• Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence 
• The Iissksiniip (Coming to Know and Learn) Coulee Walk created by William Singer III and the college’s Indigenous Services team