When applying systems approaches to complex areas, the following principles help to structure thinking around a certain issue and offer a helpful guide when starting on your systems journey. They are grounded in the idea that good systems leadership seeks to understand the structural causes of a problem before co-designing and testing solutions that truly address important problem causes.

Source

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/systems-leadership-guide-for-civil-servants/systems-leadership-guide-how-to-be-a-systems-leader#what-are-systems-approaches

Step 1: Confirm the Goal

Identify the key issues and establish a collaborating community with shared goals, while ensuring wider societal goals.

Step 2: Understand the System

Reach a shared understanding of the system with that community, including important barriers that may prevent goal achievement.

Step 3: Co-Design and Test

Co-design and test ideas for interventions using an understanding of the system, its structure, possible leverage points, and with a focus on long term progress towards the shared goal.

Step 4: Implement, Monitor and Evaluate

Implement high-leverage, systemic interventions. Engage in continuous monitoring, evaluating, and learning.