Although this post isn’t about the famous Coldplay song 🎵, the title fits perfectly.
Since we began running System Work in 2022, we’ve noticed a striking trend: 70% of participants want to use what they’ve learned to ‘fix’ the people and situations around them.
This is reflected in their questions, such as:
- What can I say to my partner when they're angry and I don't want to listen anymore?
- How can I tell my manager that what they're doing is wrong?
- How do I fix any communication or collaboration gaps with my coworkers?
Whose work is it?
What should we make of this desire to 'fix' others?
We acknowledge it and simply see it for what it is, without judgment or assessment.
However, it’s our responsibility to remind participants that System Work is fundamentally about looking inward, not outward.
That’s why, at its core, System Work is an invitation to engage in self-work.
This is the primary work we encourage participants to take on during the course.
The challenge of looking inward
In conversations with participants, many admit that looking inward is much harder than focusing on others.
It may be due to habit or perhaps it’s more convenient and practical—self-reflection takes time, while observing the external world feels quicker and easier.
But there’s another reason: looking inward can be difficult and uncomfortable.
This is why courage is essential.
The courage to look within
Looking inward is an act of bravery because it means getting in touch with—or even, confronting—your beliefs, assessments, expectations, and narratives—bringing them to the surface and naming them.
It’s difficult, because doing so may force you to question core aspects of your life. You might find yourself asking:
- What do I want?
- What do I need?
- What can I do?
These are not easy questions.
But if you truly want to build the capacity to see more clearly, this process is necessary.
System Work and Leadership Development
Can we say System Work is a leadership development program if that's the case?
Our answer is yes—but perhaps not in the way you might think.
Again, System Work invites you to look inward.
To see yourself before seeing others.
To understand yourself before seeking to understand others.
To lead yourself before trying to lead others.
It is a self-work that can grow into a personal leadership exercise.
It’s difficult.
It’s work.
But it can be invaluable.
PS: This article is Part 2 of the 'Why System Work?' trilogy. Part 1 explores the work of the facilitator, and Part 3 talks about the work of the staffer.
