Systemic thinking and systemic work are becoming increasingly important in coaching, consulting, education, and organizational development. But what exactly does "systemic" mean—and how can this approach be applied in concrete terms? This article provides a clear introduction to the fundamentals of systemic thinking, the approach behind it, and proven methods from practice.
What is systems thinking?
Imagine a living ecosystem—for example, a forest, in which trees, animals, fungi, insects, and microorganisms coexist in a finely tuned balance. If one part of this system changes or disappears, it affects the entire habitat. This image helps understand what "systemic" means: Everything is interconnected.
Thinking systemically means looking at the bigger picture. People and their behavior are not viewed in isolation, but rather viewed within the social contexts in which they operate—be it family, team, organization, or circle of friends. Relationship patterns, roles, unspoken rules, and mutual expectations are at work within these systems.
The attitude behind the systemic approach
Those who work systemically bring with them a special fundamental attitude: everyone is considered an expert in their own life. It's not about imposing solutions, but about developing new perspectives together. Central to this is the so-called "attitude of not knowing": one approaches others with respect, openness, and curiosity – without judgment.
Systemic questions – door openers for new perspectives
Language is a central tool in systemic work. Circular questions are particularly effective. They encourage the recognition of connections and the adoption of new perspectives:
- “What would your colleague say about why you reacted that way?”
- “How has your role in the group changed in the last year?”
Such questions broaden our perspective, promote understanding and often open up new possibilities for action.
Reframing – re-evaluating negative attributions
Another proven method is reframing. This involves looking at a seemingly negative behavior in a new light. For example, someone who often puts pressure on themselves can recognize that a strong sense of responsibility lies behind it – a strength that can, however, be used more consciously. Reframing invites you to easily question your own perspective – without sugarcoating anything.
Visualize with the system board
Systemic work can be particularly effective with visual methods. A central tool for this is the system board – a practical aid that you can also find in our shop. Using figures, people, roles, themes, or feelings can be arranged in the room. The arrangement makes relationship patterns, emotional distances, or conflicts visible – thus opening up new perspectives on complex situations. People often sense a change – in their thoughts, feelings, or inner attitude – even during the constellation.
Scaling issues – making development visible
Instead of thinking in black and white, scaling questions help identify nuances and visualize development steps. Examples include:
- “On a scale of 1 to 10 – how comfortable do you currently feel in the team?”
- “What would have to happen for your number to improve by one level?”
Such questions strengthen the feeling of influence and make even small progress visible.
Further methods from the systemic toolbox
Depending on the context, many other methods are used, for example:
- Timeline work (making lifelines visible)
- Externalization (e.g. “The problem as a person”)
- Tetralemma (working with decision dilemmas)
- Genogram work (making family patterns and structures visible)
- Resource islands (strengths, sources of power, inner places)
However, all these techniques are never an end in themselves – they only work in conjunction with a clear posture, good contact and a safe framework.
Systemic thinking in everyday life
Those who think systemically also begin to look at connections differently in everyday life. Instead of looking for someone to blame, they ask: What has changed? What unspoken expectations might be at play? Or: What isn't being said but might be noticeable? This way of thinking promotes understanding, connection, and enables change—not through control, but through new possibilities.
Working systemically means enabling development
Systemic thinking is more than a method—it's a mindset. Those who work with this perspective create spaces for development, reflection, and new paths. Whether through questions, the system board, or other tools, systemic work helps make complexity tangible—with clarity, empathy, and often a touch of humor.
