Re-imagining systems

Genius Works Consulting in association with Biomimicry SA presents:

Re-imagining systems
The art and practice of understanding and working with systems thinking.

Join Biomimicry SA and Genius Works for an extraordinary workshop that brings nature's genius and the power of imagineering together to provide a new perspective on systems thinking.

Claire and Oran present a collaboration of their work, bringing the genius of biomimicry and imagineering to systems thinking. This workshop brings together their years of experience in the consulting and innovation space.

If you've ever suspected that everything is a system and you've wanted to find effective ways to intervene within a corporate, personal, industrial, urban, governmental or any other system, this course is for you. You will learn valuable tools and expand the way you think and approach your work.

What you will learn:
* Understanding systems and how they operate.
* The fundamentals of systems theory and its applications.
* How to see patterns and make connections.
* Challenging assumptions in order to see objectively.
* Basic introduction to biomimicry and life's principles as a systems thinking supertool.
* A basic introduction to imagineering as a way to innovate and ideate within systems.
* The characteristics of living systems and how to apply that understadning as a leader.
* Tools and techniques of intervening in a system.
* The 13 habits of a systems thinker.

This workshop is highly interactive, fun and stimulating for all levels of knowledge and is open to corporate leaders, social entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to be a leader in their field.

What is systems thinking?
Systems thinking offers you a powerful new perspective, a specialised language, and a set of tools that can assist you to address the complexity we face today. Systems thinking is a way of understanding reality that emphasises the relationships among a system's parts, rather than the parts themselves. It is valuable in helping us design smarter, more enduring solutions to the problems we face. In its simplest sense, systems thinking gives you a more accurate picture of reality so that that your actions are of consequence.

What is imagineering?
Often in our lives we rely heavily on our ability to rationalise and analyse data without tapping into our own imaginations and creativity. Imagineering offers a set of tools that allow us to create innovative solutions that change the game. Working with our own awareness and perceptions and learning to constantly challenge those assumptions is at the core of innovation.

What is biomimicry?
Biomimicry (from bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate) is a new discipline that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. The core idea is that nature, imaginative by necessity, has already solved many of the problems we are grappling with. Biomimicry allows us to see nature as the model, measure and mentor for solving challenges innovatively and from a systems perspective.

Cost: R2800pp (includes tuition, workbooks, tea/coffee and lunches), 25% less for NGOs
(*R1250 special rate for Biomimicry SA learning journey participants. Students can apply for a scholarship rate)

To book, email az.oc.skrowsuineg@naro

Date: 25 August 2012 to 26 August 2012
Time: 08:30 - 17:00
Venue: Old Elephant House, Joburg Zoo, Johannesburg
Cost: R2800 pp

More info:

Map will be sent on confirmation of attendance.