Systems Thinking Iceberg

What participants gain

• Identify the different levels of systems thinking.
• Analyze a problem using the iceberg metaphor.
• Recognize the importance of mental models in shaping behavior.
• Identify potential leverage points for systemic change.

Materials needed

• A3 paper
• Colored markers
• Post-it notes (various colors)
• Whiteboard or flip chart
• Printout of the Iceberg model

How to run Systems Thinking Iceberg, step by step

1. Introduce the Iceberg Model and its four levels: Events, Patterns, Systemic Structures, and Mental Models.
2. Present the problem or challenge to be analyzed.
3. Divide participants into small groups (3-4 people).
4. Each group brainstorms events related to the problem and writes them on post-it notes.
5. Groups then identify patterns they observe in the events and write them on different colored post-it notes.
6. Next, groups explore the systemic structures that contribute to the patterns and write them on another set of post-it notes.
7. Finally, groups identify the mental models that underlie the systemic structures and write them on a final set of post-it notes.
8. Each group presents their Iceberg analysis to the larger group.

Facilitator tips

• Encourage participants to move beyond surface-level events and explore underlying patterns.
• Provide examples to illustrate each level of the iceberg.
• Remind participants that mental models are often unconscious and require careful reflection.

Common challenges

• Participants struggle to identify mental models - Provide guiding questions like 'What assumptions are we making?'
• Discussion remains at the event level - Gently redirect the conversation to deeper levels of analysis.
• Teams get stuck on one layer - Encourage them to move to the next layer, and then come back later

Running it virtually

Use a virtual whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural. Participants can add sticky notes to each level of the iceberg collaboratively.

Expected results

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the systemic nature of the problem and identify potential leverage points for intervention. The result is a visual representation of the problem, showing events, patterns, systemic structures, and mental models.

Build a session around Systems Thinking Iceberg

METODIC drops Systems Thinking Iceberg into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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