Systems Simulations

Big learning. Big impact. Big savings. Systems change is complex. Learning how to navigate it doesn’t have to happen through another presentation, lecture, or traditional professional development session. At Cairn Guidance, we believe some things are better learned by doing. Our Systems Simulations put participants in the middle of the action, giving them an opportunity to experience the dynamics of systems change firsthand. Participants make decisions, encounter resistance, build Read ▸ about Bring Systems Change to Life: Save Now During Cairn Guidance’s Big Fall Sale

It’s Back-to-School time. Are you Ready for Change? Every school year begins with...  New staff.  New initiatives.  New priorities.  New curriculum.  New expectations. New opportunities. Change is coming. And people experience change differently. Some are eager to jump in. Some need time. Some ask questions. Some quietly resist. Successful change is about understanding where people are, meeting them there, and helping them move Read ▸ about Back to School. Are you Ready for Change?

Why We Created Two Different Systems Simulations "What's the difference between Making Change™ and Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™?" This month, we're pulling back the curtain on each simulation so you can decide which simulation you’d like to facilitate and which Training of Trainers is right for you. Check out what our Director has to say: Check out the table below for more distinctions between the games. Which Simulation Will You Facilitate? Every organization Read ▸ about Choose your Simulation. Become the Facilitator.

We've communicated the vision.  We've explained the why.  We've provided the training.  So why aren't people on board? That question - why aren’t people on board? - is a common question by educational leaders. When a new initiative struggles to gain traction, it's easy to assume people are resistant to change. But in our experience, resistance is often something else entirely. Check out what the Director of Cairn Guidance has to say about Resistance. More Read ▸ about When Good People Resist Good Ideas

Ready to Lead Systems Simulations? The school year is wrapping up, but not without two cities experiencing the Systems Simulation experience from Cairn Guidance! This month, we had the opportunity to facilitate Systems Simulations with educators and teams navigating real-world change in both Bechertown, Massachusetts and Las Vegas, Nevada.  Watching participants play the game affirmed that no matter the district, charter, city (or timezone)... People don’t just need Read ▸ about Join the Interest List for Our October Training of Trainers

The first of a four-part systems simulation webinar series was very successful! Michelle Thornton from Berea College in Kentucky shared how she uses the Systems Thinking, Systems  Changing™ simulation with her college students. She shared stories about how effective the simulation is when teaching pre-service educators how to navigate or even lead change in school settings.  Michelle shared, “I really like using it [Systems Thinking, Systems Changing™] with my Foundations class Read ▸ about Webinar Reflection: Testimonials from the Field; Why Use the Systems Simulations

During this banner 20th Anniversary year for Cairn Guidance, we are offering a 4-part series of FREE webinars around our Systems Simulations. Each has a different topic/focus, and the first two have invited guests that represent higher education, Departments of Education, non-profits, and consultants. We hope you’ll join us for these short sessions to learn more about the what/how/why of our games for change management in K-12 education and communities. If you miss one, don’t Read ▸ about Free Systems Simulations Webinar Series

Author: Sterling Ta'Bon, Healthy Schools Manager & National Cadre Coordinator at Cairn Guidance Structure Behavior: Imagine you are given your very first pet, a puppy named after your favorite candy bar. This puppy will become the reflection of the environment you create for them such as protection, nutrition, and attention. As the puppy develops, they easily associate your presence with one that brings great benefit. Their perception of you is based on thousands of behaviors and Read ▸ about Building Better Systems: What a Puppy Can Teach Us About Change