The Power of Systems Thinking in Leadership: Solving Complex Business Challenges

Systems thinking is all about seeing the bigger picture. For leaders, it means stepping back to understand how different parts of an organization or problem connect and influence each other. This approach isn’t just about solving one issue—it’s about creating long-term solutions that work across the board. In today’s fast-paced world, where challenges are more complex than ever, systems thinking offers a way to tackle problems smarter, not harder.

Key Takeaways

Systems thinking helps leaders understand how different parts of a business are connected.
It encourages long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.
Feedback loops play a big role in improving decision-making.
Recognizing patterns can help avoid unintended consequences.
Collaboration and team input are essential in a systems approach.

Why Systems Thinking Is a Game-Changer for Modern Leadership

Understanding the Core Principles of Systems Thinking

At its heart, systems thinking is about seeing the big picture. Instead of focusing on isolated events or problems, it encourages leaders to examine how individual elements interact within a larger system. This perspective allows leaders to anticipate ripple effects across their organization, avoiding shortsighted decisions.

Key principles include:

Interconnectivity: Recognizing how seemingly unrelated parts influence each other.
Feedback loops: Understanding how actions create reactions, forming cycles that can either amplify or stabilize outcomes.
Emergence: Accepting that the whole is often greater than the sum of its parts, meaning unexpected results can arise.

By embracing these principles, leaders can move beyond surface-level fixes and address the root causes of challenges.

Listen, I’m a mid-market CMO and the inventor on 19 patents, including 3 foundational ones that power the tech we all rely on every single day. And let me tell you, this isn’t just in one industry; we’re talking six different industries, spanning both B2B and B2C. I’m not sharing this to brag, but to show you that there are countless people I know who’ve crushed it because they embrace a systems mindset.

Other examples from my close network:

An attorney with an active Bar license, who is among the top Chief Revenue Officers I know, as he understands how customer success, marketing, and product interconnect in a way that many overlook.
A friend who holds a master’s degree in computer engineering but no longer codes or works in product. She has evolved into an outstanding COO due to her skill in breaking down needs into actionable tasks, leading in an agile setting, and effectively communicating with both engineering and the Board room.

How Systems Thinking Differs from Traditional Leadership Approaches

Traditional leadership often relies on a linear mindset: problem arises, solution is applied, problem is solved. But in today’s complex world, this approach can lead to unintended consequences. Systems thinking, on the other hand, embraces complexity by:

Shifting from a “command-and-control” mindset to one of inquiry and collaboration.
Prioritizing long-term impacts over short-term gains.
Encouraging leaders to ask, “What are we missing?” rather than jumping to conclusions.

This shift can feel uncomfortable for leaders used to quick fixes, but the payoff is a more resilient and adaptive organization.

The Role of Feedback Loops in Decision-Making

Feedback loops are the backbone of systems thinking. They help leaders understand how their decisions play out over time. There are two main types:

Reinforcing loops: These amplify changes, for better or worse. For example, a motivated team leads to higher performance, which boosts morale, creating a positive cycle.
Balancing loops: These stabilize systems. For instance, introducing checks and balances in a project can prevent overextension and burnout.

By identifying and leveraging feedback loops, leaders can fine-tune their strategies and avoid common pitfalls, such as overcorrecting or underestimating long-term effects.

When leaders adopt systems thinking, they don’t just solve problems—they design solutions that stand the test of time.

The Interconnected Nature of Business Challenges

Recognizing Patterns and Relationships in Complex Systems

In today’s dynamic business environment, challenges are rarely isolated. Every decision or action within an organization can ripple across its ecosystem, creating impacts that are often unexpected. Recognizing patterns and relationships within these complex systems isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a survival tool. By conducting a thorough business ecosystem analysis, leaders can uncover the hidden connections between departments, processes, and external stakeholders. This approach allows for:

Identifying recurring issues that signal deeper systemic problems.
Understanding how changes in one area affect others.
Anticipating potential disruptions before they escalate.

For example, addressing a drop in employee productivity might reveal underlying issues in supply chain delays or customer dissatisfaction. Seeing the bigger picture helps leaders act with precision.

How Interdependencies Shape Organizational Outcomes

Organizations aren’t silos; they’re intricate webs of interdependencies. The success of one team often hinges on the performance of another. Complexity management becomes essential when aligning these moving parts. Consider this:

Department	Dependency Example	Outcome Impact
Marketing	Relies on product development timelines	Delayed launches hurt sales
Operations	Depends on accurate sales forecasts	Overproduction strains budget
Customer Service	Needs IT support for tools	Downtime reduces satisfaction

Understanding these interdependencies allows leaders to prioritize actions that drive the most significant organizational outcomes. When one cog in the machine falters, the entire mechanism can stall.

Avoiding Unintended Consequences Through Holistic Thinking

Quick fixes often lead to long-term headaches. Holistic thinking urges leaders to pause and evaluate the broader implications of their decisions. For instance:

Cutting costs in one department might lead to higher expenses elsewhere.
Expanding rapidly without proper infrastructure can create operational chaos.
Ignoring employee well-being to meet short-term goals could result in higher turnover.

By embracing systems thinking, leaders can mitigate these risks. A simple yet powerful tool is mapping out feedback loops—both reinforcing (positive) and balancing (negative)—to predict how changes will play out over time.

Holistic thinking isn’t about solving one problem at a time. It’s about solving the right problem while preventing new ones from emerging.

In essence, mastering the interconnected nature of business challenges equips leaders to manage complexity with confidence and clarity. It’s not just about surviving the chaos—it’s about thriving in it.

Transforming Leadership Through Systems Thinking

Shifting from Linear to Relational Leadership Styles

Leadership today demands moving beyond a one-dimensional, cause-and-effect mindset. Adopting a systems approach to leadership means recognizing that every decision impacts a web of interconnected variables. Linear thinking limits leaders to short-term fixes, while relational thinking drives sustainable outcomes.

To make this shift:

Map the system: Visualize how different elements within your organization interact.
Ask probing questions: What unintended ripple effects could result from a decision?
Embrace complexity: Accept that solutions may require iterative adjustments rather than one-time fixes.

Leaders who think relationally foster environments where collaboration thrives and challenges are seen as shared opportunities.

Empowering Teams with a Systems Perspective

Empowered teams are the backbone of any resilient organization. By embedding systems thinking into team dynamics, leaders enable individuals to see beyond their immediate tasks and understand their role in the bigger picture.

Key strategies include:

Shared learning: Host workshops to teach team members about systems thinking.
Cross-functional projects: Encourage collaboration across departments to break down silos.
Feedback loops: Build mechanisms for continuous improvement, ensuring every team member feels heard and valued.

When teams adopt a systems perspective, they become proactive problem-solvers rather than passive participants.

Fostering Innovation Through Collaborative Problem-Solving

Innovation flourishes in environments where ideas flow freely and diverse perspectives are welcomed. A systems approach to leadership naturally fosters this by encouraging leaders to create spaces for co-creation and experimentation.

Practical steps to foster innovation:

Facilitate open dialogues: Regularly bring together stakeholders to brainstorm and refine ideas.
Prototype solutions: Test ideas in small, controlled environments before scaling.
Reflect and adapt: Use feedback loops to refine and improve solutions iteratively.

“True innovation stems from the ability to view challenges as interconnected opportunities.”

By embedding collaborative problem-solving into the organizational DNA, leaders not only solve immediate challenges but also build a culture of continuous improvement and creativity.

Practical Applications of Systems Thinking in Business

Streamlining Operations with Systems Analysis

To streamline operations, systems thinking in business encourages leaders to step back and see the bigger picture. Instead of treating inefficiencies as isolated problems, this approach identifies how processes interconnect. For instance, a bottleneck in production might not just be a manufacturing issue—it could stem from misaligned inventory management or unclear communication between teams. By mapping out these relationships, businesses can:

Identify root causes rather than symptoms.
Reduce redundancies in workflows.
Optimize resources for smoother operations.

Enhancing Strategic Planning with Holistic Insights

Strategic planning thrives when leaders embrace a systems perspective. Traditional planning often focuses narrowly on goals, but systems thinking ensures all moving parts are considered. For example, launching a new product isn’t just about marketing—it’s about understanding supply chain readiness, customer support capacity, and even external market dynamics. A holistic approach helps:

Anticipate ripple effects of decisions.
Align short-term actions with long-term objectives.
Create strategies resilient to unexpected challenges.

Building Resilient Organizations with Systems Thinking

Adapting to Change with a Systems Mindset

When change hits, organizations often scramble to react, leading to chaos and inefficiency. A systems mindset flips this script by encouraging leaders to anticipate shifts and view them as interconnected opportunities rather than isolated disruptions. Start by analyzing your organizational systems and identifying areas where flexibility can be built in. For example, cross-functional teams can help break down silos, enabling faster decision-making and a unified response to change. The key is to see change not as a threat but as an evolving part of the system that can be navigated strategically.

Creating Sustainable Growth Through Interconnected Strategies

Growth isn’t just about scaling up; it’s about scaling smart. Sustainable growth comes from recognizing the interdependencies within your organization. Use organizational systems analysis to map out how departments, processes, and even external stakeholders influence one another. This way, you can pinpoint leverage points—small changes that yield significant results. A practical step? Align your strategic goals across departments to ensure everyone is rowing in the same direction. This interconnected approach reduces waste, enhances efficiency, and ensures growth doesn’t spiral into chaos.

Leveraging Systems Thinking for Crisis Management

Crises test the resilience of any organization. Systems thinking equips leaders with the tools to not just survive but thrive under pressure. Start by identifying feedback loops—both positive and negative—that are exacerbating the crisis. For example, a sudden supply chain disruption might ripple into customer dissatisfaction, which then impacts revenue. By understanding these loops, you can address root causes rather than symptoms. Build a crisis response plan that prioritizes adaptability and includes clear communication channels. When every part of the system knows its role, recovery becomes a coordinated effort rather than a scramble.

Resilience isn’t built overnight; it’s the result of consistent, systems-focused decision-making that prepares your organization for the unexpected.

The Role of Empathy in Systems Leadership

Understanding Stakeholder Needs in Complex Systems

Empathy isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the backbone of effective systems leadership. In complex systems, where every decision ripples through interconnected networks, understanding stakeholder needs becomes a strategic necessity. Leaders must actively listen, not just to hear, but to understand the diverse perspectives that shape the system. This means asking the right questions, observing non-verbal cues, and creating an environment where stakeholders feel safe to express their concerns. Empathy enables leaders to identify hidden tensions and opportunities within the system.

Balancing Emotional Intelligence with Strategic Thinking

Balancing emotional intelligence with strategic thinking is a tightrope every systems leader must walk. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to connect on a human level, while strategic thinking ensures decisions align with long-term goals. For example, when managing a team through a major organizational change, leaders who combine empathy with strategy can anticipate resistance, address fears, and communicate the “why” behind decisions effectively. This dual approach not only builds trust but also ensures smoother implementation of complex initiatives.

How Empathy Enhances Collaboration and Trust

Empathy is the secret ingredient that transforms teams from functioning to thriving. When leaders demonstrate genuine care for their teams, they foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. Here’s how empathy amplifies collaboration:

Builds psychological safety: Team members are more likely to share ideas and take risks when they feel understood and valued.
Strengthens relationships: Empathy bridges gaps between individuals with differing viewpoints, creating a unified team.
Drives innovation: Collaborative problem-solving flourishes in empathetic environments, leading to creative solutions.

“Empathy isn’t a weakness in leadership—it’s a strength that drives meaningful connections and impactful results.”

Overcoming Common Barriers to Systems Thinking

Breaking Free from Linear Thinking Habits

It’s tempting to fall back on linear thinking—after all, it’s how most of us were trained. But here’s the thing: linear thinking often oversimplifies complex problems, leading to solutions that don’t stick. Systems thinking, on the other hand, forces us to see the bigger picture. To shift your mindset:

Challenge assumptions. Ask yourself, “What am I missing?”. I practice an exercise every day where I take 30 – 120 seconds and simply ask myself “what might I be fundamentally wrong about today”, and I often end my 1:1s asking “what question should I have asked you but did not”.
Use visual tools like causal loop diagrams to map out interconnected factors.
Practice identifying feedback loops in everyday situations—both reinforcing and balancing.

Addressing Resistance to Change in Leadership Teams

Resistance to change is natural, especially when new ideas disrupt the status quo. Leaders often hesitate to adopt systems thinking because it feels abstract or time-consuming. Combat this by:

Starting small. Introduce systems thinking concepts in manageable chunks.
Highlighting quick wins. Demonstrate how a systems approach can solve a pressing issue.
Building buy-in by involving team members in the process early on.

“The best way to overcome resistance is to show—not tell—how systems thinking works. Let results speak for themselves.”

Developing a Culture of Continuous Learning

Systems thinking thrives in environments where learning is constant. But fostering such a culture doesn’t happen overnight. Here are some steps to get there:

Encourage curiosity by rewarding questions, not just answers.
Create opportunities for cross-functional collaboration to expose teams to different perspectives.
Provide training in systems tools and methodologies, like stock and flow diagrams or systems archetypes.

The key takeaway? Systems thinking isn’t a one-time shift—it’s a practice that grows as your team grows.

The Future of Leadership: Systems Thinking as a Core Competency

Why Systems Thinking Is Essential for Navigating Uncertainty

The world is no longer predictable. From market disruptions to global crises, leaders are constantly faced with uncertainty. Systems thinking equips leaders to thrive in this chaos by focusing on interconnections rather than isolated events. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, systems thinkers analyze how decisions ripple through an organization. This approach helps uncover hidden patterns and avoid unintended consequences.

Key benefits of adopting systems thinking in uncertain times include:

Identifying leverage points that create meaningful change.
Reducing risks through a holistic view of challenges.
Building adaptable strategies that evolve with shifting conditions.

Integrating Systems Thinking into Leadership Development Programs

Leadership programs must evolve to prepare future leaders for the complexities of modern business. Traditional training often focuses on individual skills, but systems thinking emphasizes the interconnectedness of decisions, teams, and outcomes. Organizations can integrate systems thinking into leadership development by:

Introducing case studies that highlight complex systems.
Encouraging cross-departmental collaboration to break silos.
Training leaders to use tools like causal loop diagrams to map systemic relationships.

By embedding these practices, companies can create leaders who excel in long-term leadership planning and decision-making.

Preparing the Next Generation of Systems Leaders

To ensure a resilient future, organizations must actively cultivate systems leaders. This means identifying talent early and exposing them to real-world challenges that require systemic solutions. Encourage emerging leaders to:

Ask probing questions about how processes interact.
Collaborate with diverse teams to gain multiple perspectives.
Reflect on past decisions to understand their broader impact.

The leaders of tomorrow won’t just manage; they’ll orchestrate. They’ll understand that every decision is a thread in a larger web, shaping outcomes far beyond the immediate horizon.

The future demands leaders who think beyond the obvious. Systems thinking isn’t just a skill—it’s the cornerstone of leadership in an interconnected world.

Unlocking Innovation Through Systems Thinking

How Systems Thinking Drives Creative Problem-Solving

Innovation thrives when organizations adopt nonlinear problem-solving approaches, and systems thinking is the key to unlocking this potential. Unlike traditional methods that often isolate problems, systems thinking examines the interconnected web of factors influencing an issue. By considering the broader system, leaders can identify solutions that not only address the immediate problem but also create ripple effects of positive change across the organization.

For example, a company struggling with employee turnover might initially focus on salary adjustments. However, a systems approach could reveal deeper issues, such as inadequate career development opportunities, poor team dynamics, or even misaligned leadership styles. Tackling these root causes fosters a more sustainable solution, driving innovation in workforce management.

Takeaway: Innovation isn’t about fixing symptoms—it’s about redesigning the system to prevent them altogether.

The Connection Between Systems Thinking and Design Thinking

Design thinking and systems thinking are natural allies in the innovation process. While design thinking emphasizes empathy and iterative prototyping, systems thinking provides the framework to understand the larger context in which a solution will operate. Together, they form a powerful toolkit for addressing complex challenges.

Consider a healthcare startup developing a new patient-care app. Design thinking helps the team understand user needs through interviews and prototypes. Systems thinking then ensures the app integrates seamlessly with existing healthcare systems, from electronic medical records to insurance platforms.

Key benefits of combining these approaches:

Holistic understanding of user and system needs.
Reduced risk of unintended consequences.
Enhanced scalability and adaptability of solutions.

Real-World Examples of Innovation Fueled by Systems Thinking

Tesla’s Electric Vehicles: Tesla didn’t just design cars; it reimagined the entire ecosystem of transportation, from charging infrastructure to battery recycling. This systems approach allowed them to lead the electric vehicle revolution.
Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan: By embedding systems thinking into its strategy, Unilever identified ways to reduce environmental impact across its supply chain while enhancing product appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
The Three Horizons Framework: This strategic tool helps organizations balance short-term goals with long-term innovation. It’s a prime example of how systems thinking can guide visionary leadership. Learn more about the Three Horizons framework.

Systems thinking doesn’t just solve problems—it transforms the way we think about possibilities. It’s the mindset shift every leader needs to embrace.

Scaling Businesses with Systems Thinking

Identifying Leverage Points for Growth

Scaling a business isn’t just about doing more of what works—it’s about finding the leverage points that create exponential impact. Leverage points within a system can significantly influence its overall behavior, making it crucial to pinpoint where small changes can yield big results. For example, optimizing your supply chain might reduce costs, but restructuring it with systems thinking could unlock new markets entirely. Ask yourself: Where in your business are resources underutilized, and how can you amplify their effectiveness?

Here’s a simple framework to uncover leverage points:

Map out your business processes to see the connections.
Identify bottlenecks or areas of friction.
Test small, strategic changes and measure their ripple effects.

Optimizing Resource Allocation Across Interconnected Systems

Scaling without chaos requires a shift from chasing quick wins to making informed, strategic decisions. Systems thinking helps leaders understand how resource allocation in one area impacts others. For instance, over-investing in marketing without strengthening operations can lead to customer dissatisfaction. A balanced approach ensures that all parts of the business grow in harmony.

Consider this table for resource allocation insights:

Area	Potential Investment	Impact on System
Marketing	New ad campaigns	Increased demand; strain on ops
Operations	Staff training	Improved efficiency, reduced errors
Technology	Automation tools	Cost savings; better scalability

By analyzing these interdependencies, leaders can apply strategic decision-making models to avoid overloading one part of the system while scaling.

Using Systems Thinking to Scale Without Chaos

Growth often brings complexity, but systems thinking provides a roadmap to scale sustainably. The key is to anticipate how changes will cascade through your organization. For example, introducing a new product line might boost revenue but could also disrupt existing workflows. Systems thinking encourages leaders to simulate outcomes, ensuring that scaling efforts align with long-term business strategy frameworks.

Scaling isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing smarter. Systems thinking turns growth into a well-orchestrated symphony rather than a chaotic scramble.

Challenge yourself to think holistically: How can you design growth strategies that strengthen your entire ecosystem rather than just one part? By embracing systems thinking, scaling becomes not just achievable but sustainable.

The Power of Collaboration in Systems Thinking

Building Cross-Functional Teams for Complex Problem-Solving

Collaboration thrives when diverse minds come together to tackle challenges. Cross-functional teams, composed of individuals from various departments or expertise, are the backbone of holistic problem-solving. By pooling different perspectives, these teams can uncover solutions that no single department could achieve alone.

Identify core competencies within your organization and bring them to the table.
Encourage open dialogue to ensure every voice is heard.
Use collaborative tools like brainstorming sessions or design sprints to align efforts.

The takeaway? Cross-functional teams are not just about efficiency—they’re about innovation.

The Role of Networking in Enhancing Systems Leadership

Networking isn’t just about shaking hands at events or exchanging business cards. It’s about creating meaningful connections that extend your perspective. When leaders engage in cross-industry partnerships, they gain access to fresh ideas and strategies that can reshape their approach to complex systems.

Benefit	Example
Access to new expertise	Partnering with tech firms for data insights
Shared resources	Co-developing tools or platforms
Expanded market reach	Joint ventures in unexplored regions

Building networks isn’t optional anymore—it’s a strategic move to stay competitive in a dynamic world.

How Collaboration Amplifies the Impact of Systems Thinking

Systems thinking is powerful on its own, but collaboration supercharges its impact. When teams work together, they identify leverage points faster, avoid blind spots, and implement changes more effectively. Collaboration transforms abstract systems models into actionable strategies.

Foster trust: Trust is the foundation of any collaborative effort.
Set shared goals: Aligning on outcomes ensures everyone is rowing in the same direction.
Leverage feedback loops: Use iterative processes to refine strategies over time.

Collaboration isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s how organizations turn complex challenges into opportunities for growth.

Measuring Success in Systems Thinking Leadership

Key Metrics for Evaluating Systems Thinking Initiatives

Measuring success in systems thinking leadership isn’t about checking boxes or hitting arbitrary targets. Instead, it’s about understanding the dynamic impact of decisions across interconnected areas. The right metrics reveal whether your leadership is creating meaningful, sustainable change. Here are three categories of metrics to consider:

Lead Indicators: These measure proactive efforts, like the number of cross-functional collaborations or the frequency of team strategy sessions.
Lag Indicators: These track outcomes, such as revenue growth, employee retention, or customer satisfaction trends.
System Health Metrics: These assess the organization’s adaptability, interdepartmental alignment, and resilience in the face of challenges.

By combining these metrics, leaders can gain a holistic view of their impact and refine their approach as needed.

Balancing Short-Term Wins with Long-Term Impact

Short-term wins matter—they build momentum and keep teams motivated. But systems thinking leaders know the real game is long-term transformation. For example, a quick operational fix might save costs today but could create bottlenecks later. The challenge is balancing these priorities without losing sight of the big picture.

A practical approach is to:

Identify low-hanging fruit that aligns with broader goals.
Communicate how short-term actions contribute to long-term success.
Regularly revisit and recalibrate strategies to ensure alignment with overarching objectives.

Using Feedback Loops to Refine Leadership Strategies

Feedback loops are the lifeblood of systems thinking. They capture the ripple effects of decisions, allowing leaders to adjust in real-time. Think of feedback as a compass—it shows where you’re on track and where course corrections are needed.

Consider implementing these steps:

Create Open Channels: Encourage team members to share insights on how strategies are playing out.
Analyze Patterns: Look for recurring themes in feedback to identify systemic issues.
Act and Iterate: Use the insights to tweak processes, then measure the results.

“Leadership isn’t static; it’s a continuous cycle of learning, adjusting, and evolving.”

In systems thinking leadership, success is about understanding how different parts of a system work together. It’s not just about reaching goals but also about how we grow and learn as leaders. To truly measure success, we should look at the impact we have on our teams and communities. If you want to dive deeper into this topic and explore more about leadership, visit our website today!

Conclusion

Systems thinking isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer for leaders tackling today’s complex business challenges. By stepping back and seeing the bigger picture, leaders can make smarter decisions that don’t just fix problems temporarily but create lasting solutions. It’s about understanding how everything connects—teams, processes, and even market forces—and using that knowledge to drive real results. Sure, it takes effort to shift from a quick-fix mindset to this broader way of thinking, but the payoff? It’s huge. Whether you’re looking to innovate, scale, or simply lead more effectively, systems thinking gives you the tools to do it. So, why not start now? The future of leadership is here, and it’s all about thinking in systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is systems thinking?

Systems thinking is a way of understanding how different parts of a system connect and influence each other. It helps people look at the bigger picture instead of focusing on individual pieces.

How does systems thinking help in leadership?

It helps leaders make better decisions by understanding how their actions affect the whole organization. Leaders can see patterns, predict outcomes, and avoid unintended problems.

What makes systems thinking different from regular problem-solving?

Unlike regular problem-solving, which often focuses on fixing one issue at a time, systems thinking looks at the relationships and causes behind problems. This helps to find long-term solutions.

Why is empathy important in systems leadership?

Empathy allows leaders to understand the needs and feelings of others in the system. This builds trust, improves teamwork, and leads to better collaboration.

What are feedback loops in systems thinking?

Feedback loops show how actions in a system can reinforce or balance changes. For example, positive feedback loops amplify changes, while negative ones stabilize the system.

Can systems thinking help prevent business challenges?

Yes, by understanding how different parts of a business interact, leaders can predict potential problems and take steps to avoid them before they happen.

How can I start using systems thinking in my work?

You can start by mapping out how different parts of your organization connect, identifying patterns, and thinking about the long-term effects of your decisions.

What are some real-world examples of systems thinking in action?

Examples include improving supply chains by analyzing how delays in one area affect the entire process or creating sustainable business practices by considering environmental and social impacts.