System leadership, a new form of leadership, is emerging to address complex societal issues. It’s not about individual leaders or heroic acts, but about collective leadership that brings together diverse stakeholders. System leaders focus on three core capabilities: seeing the larger system, fostering reflection and more generative conversations, and shifting the collective focus from reactive problem-solving to co-creating the future.
Seeing the larger system involves understanding interconnections and patterns of change rather than static snapshots. It requires a shift from a problem-solving mindset to a creative orientation. System leaders develop this capability by working with diverse stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding, and building a common vision.
Fostering reflection and generative conversations allows people to explore underlying causes, assumptions, and their implications. It helps people move beyond blaming and defensiveness, creating a safe space for inquiry and dialogue.
Shifting the collective focus involves creating a vision of the future that everyone can work towards. It’s about helping people move from reacting to circumstances to shaping their future.
System leadership requires a shift in consciousness, from seeing oneself as separate from the world to connected with it. It involves learning to lead from the emerging future, cultivating an inner state of presence that allows one to sense and actualise emerging possibilities.
Go to source article: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_dawn_of_system_leadership#