Seeing The System: Systemic Constellations For Teaching Complexity

This interactive session introduces Systemic Constellations (SC) as an innovative pedagogy for teaching complexity in management and leadership education. Based in systems thinking, complexity theory and phenomenology, the SC method enables learners to visualise and sense relational dynamics within complex systems. Using mapping and movement activities, participants explore hidden patterns in systems and reflect on how relationships affect system outcomes. Two short activities are used in the session: a reflective system mapping exercise, and a “Three Circles Walk”, exploring belonging, recognition, and safety at work. These activities reveal how the SC method supports perspective-taking, emotional awareness, and transformative learning. Participants gain insight into how small shifts can create system-wide change. The session gives educators practical tools to bring systems thinking and emotional awareness into their classrooms, while also emphasising the importance of ethical practice and appropriate training for deeper applications of the systemic constellations approach.