Navigating Complexity: The Power of Systems Thinking in Academia and Beyond
Applying Systems Thinking: An Interview with Alumni Sam Petrie
Linh Bui
Blog Banner Image: Map the System Canadian participants 2022 at the global stage.
“I think systems thinking has really helped me zoom out sometimes from the problem. You know, when you are thinking about implementation, the issues can be very detailed and very nuanced. But at the same time, you have to recognize that there are structures of the wider system that are also maybe working against you or to your benefit. So, being able to sit down in a room with decision makers and other stakeholders and to confidently map out what are some of the other things we should be aware of as we’re going forward with this implementation? I think this skillset has been incredibly valuable ”
In a world filled with complex issues and challenges, understanding how to navigate and make sense of them is crucial. Sam Petrie, a recent PhD graduate and current postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto and University Health Network, has found that systems thinking has been an invaluable tool in tackling the intricate problems he has encountered throughout his academic and professional journey.
As a student fresh out of high school, Sam found himself grappling with the myriad of incidents, events, and issues surrounding him. "I had a lot of questions and maturing to do as a young man," he recalls. However, by the time he entered graduate school, Sam had developed a better grasp of navigating complex systems, thanks in part to his exposure to systems thinking.
Discovering Systems Thinking
Sam's introduction to systems thinking came during his PhD program in health sciences at Carleton University and his membership with the Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation. He realized that many of the challenges in healthcare could not be approached from a singular perspective and that a more holistic, systems-based approach was necessary.
"I found that there are a lot of challenges in healthcare that are incredibly complex and couldn't really be approached from one side or the other," Sam explains. "The concept of systems thinking was something that I kind of discovered through my education and then had an opportunity through the Map the System competition to collaborate with some other students."
Interestingly, Sam's team for the Map the System competition consisted of city planners, with Sam himself not having a background in urban planning. However, their common interest in systems thinking allowed them to work together effectively, leveraging their diverse expertise to address the complex issue of transit-induced gentrification.
The Impact of Systems Thinking
Participating in the systems thinking research program has had a profound impact on Sam's perspective on complex problems. He explains that systems thinking has helped him "zoom out" from the details of a problem and recognize the wider structures and systems at play.
"Being able to sit down in a room with decision-makers, other health system stakeholders and be able to confidently map out what are some of the other things we should be aware of as we're going forward with this implementation has been incredibly valuable," Sam says.
Moreover, systems thinking has helped Sam navigate ambiguity and complexity, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of moving parts and factors involved in the issues he tackles. By framing the problem correctly, systems thinking empowers him to identify the relevant approaches and potential solutions.
Applying Systems Thinking in Daily Life
Sam believes that systems thinking is not only valuable in professional settings but also in our day-to-day lives. He suggests that the ability to critically examine issues and maintain a balanced perspective can be incredibly useful in navigating the often-polarized discourse surrounding current events and societal challenges.
"I think systems thinking is useful in the day-to-day," Sam reflects. "Just being able to frame up these complex problems and challenges and recognize that, you know, maybe things aren't always as bad as they initially seem.”
The Broader Impact of Systems Thinking
Beyond its practical applications, Sam has found that systems thinking has also influenced his personal growth and professional development. The skills and mindset he has developed through systems thinking have made him a more effective communicator and collaborator, particularly in the context of his work in Indigenous health.
"I think systems thinking has really helped me be able to engage and perhaps relate to a diverse range of different stakeholders," Sam says. "And I think it's taught me to just be a good, active listener and recognize that it's okay to not be the expert in the room."
Sam's experience with systems thinking highlights the power of this approach in tackling complex problems and navigating the often-overwhelming challenges of the modern world. By framing problems holistically, recognizing the interconnected nature of systems, and embracing ambiguity, Sam has been able to develop innovative solutions and foster meaningful collaborations.
As undergraduate students and aspiring problem-solvers, we can learn a great deal from Sam's insights and apply the principles of systems thinking to our own lives and endeavors. By embracing this mindset, we can navigate the complexities of the world with greater confidence and contribute to meaningful change.
Sam Petrie is a Map the System 2020 participant exploring the topic ‘Transit Induced Gentrification’.
RSVP to attend the Canada Final FREE Now to be part of the systems thinking- driven future of change! For more details about the teams, topics and schedule of the Final, visit mapthesystem.ca/canadian-final-2024
- A Collection of Past Map the System Competitions -
