{"id":5444,"date":"2025-06-11T21:09:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T11:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444"},"modified":"2025-06-11T21:09:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T11:09:29","slug":"leverage-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444","title":{"rendered":"Leverage Points"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Small Shifts Create Big Impacts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the realm of complex systems\u2014whether in business, society, or biology\u2014there exist hidden spots where a small, well-focused push can produce a disproportionately large effect. These are called <strong>leverage points<\/strong>. For executives and systems thinkers, understanding and strategically applying leverage is one of the most powerful insights for driving transformation, optimizing performance, and scaling with precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This idea was best captured by systems thinker Donella Meadows in her seminal work <em>\u201cLeverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System.\u201d<\/em> Meadows proposed that not all interventions are equal\u2014some places in a system offer far greater potential for transformative change than others. The job of a strategist is to see the system clearly enough to know where those points lie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Leverage Matters in Strategic Thinking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In every business, there are countless moving parts\u2014people, processes, incentives, technologies, policies, and external forces. Most leaders spend their time addressing symptoms: fixing broken processes, plugging gaps, or reacting to the latest crisis. But strategic leaders look upstream. They ask: <em>What\u2019s driving this system\u2019s behavior? Where can I intervene most effectively?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Leverage points are the answer to those questions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When applied with precision, leverage points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Solve root causes, not symptoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce the energy required for sustained change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shift system behavior at scale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drive compounding value creation over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12 Leverage Points \u2013 Ranked by Power<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Meadows ranked 12 leverage points, from least to most powerful. Here\u2019s a practical summary adapted for business and strategy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Constants, Parameters, Numbers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are things like budgets, incentives, or pricing. They\u2019re easy to change but have limited long-term impact unless tied to deeper changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> Reducing overhead costs might help quarterly margins, but it won\u2019t solve a broken value proposition.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. Buffer Sizes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think inventory levels, capacity reserves, or financial buffers. Important, but adjusting buffers only helps in volatile systems\u2014it doesn\u2019t change system behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Material Stocks and Flows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This refers to the physical infrastructure of the system\u2014factories, logistics, headcount. It&#8217;s necessary for scaling but slow and costly to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Delays<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The time between action and visible effect. Leaders who understand delays can better align strategy and expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> Cultural change may lag behind structural change by months or even years.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Feedback Loops Strength<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Strengthening or weakening feedback mechanisms\u2014like performance reviews, KPIs, or customer feedback systems\u2014can amplify or dampen systemic responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> Introducing real-time customer feedback can help teams correct faster and improve outcomes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Information Flows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing who has access to what information\u2014internally or externally\u2014can dramatically shift behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> When frontline teams can see real-time performance dashboards, they\u2019re empowered to course-correct without waiting on management.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Rules of the System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the policies, norms, contracts, and governance mechanisms that shape how the game is played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> A company shifting from fixed project fees to incentive-based contracts can reshape accountability and delivery performance.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Power to Add or Change System Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Who has the authority to set the rules? Empowering teams to evolve rules unlocks adaptability and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. System Structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The interconnectedness and relationships within the system. Changing organizational structures or re-architecting processes often creates outsized results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> Moving from siloed departments to cross-functional teams improves agility and collaboration.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Goals of the System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The stated (and unstated) purpose of the system. Goals drive priorities and behaviors. Changing a system\u2019s goal is profoundly powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> Shifting from &#8220;maximize profit&#8221; to &#8220;maximize customer lifetime value&#8221; radically reorients decision-making across a business.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. The Mindset or Paradigm Behind the System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The shared beliefs and values that shape how people think. Change the paradigm, and the system shifts in surprising ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> Moving from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset (e.g., from protecting turf to open innovation) often unlocks exponential opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. The Power to Transcend Paradigms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the rarest and most transformative leverage point\u2014the ability to step outside current assumptions and choose new paradigms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>Example:<\/em> Leaders who question the very purpose of their business (e.g., from \u201cwe build cars\u201d to \u201cwe provide mobility\u201d) open entirely new strategic horizons.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Use Leverage Thinking in Your Business<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Map the System<\/strong><br>Start by visualizing the system you\u2019re trying to improve. What are the inputs, outputs, feedback loops, and rules?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Identify Symptoms vs. Root Causes<\/strong><br>Use techniques like the 5 Whys, Causal Loop Diagrams, or Systems Archetypes to move upstream.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spot the Bottlenecks and Flows<\/strong><br>Where is value being created or lost? Where is energy being wasted?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Search for Hidden Leverage<\/strong><br>Look beyond surface-level fixes. Ask, \u201cWhat belief, rule, or structure is keeping this behavior in place?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test Small, Scale Fast<\/strong><br>Run small-scale interventions at identified leverage points. Monitor feedback loops and double down where traction appears.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Closing Thought: Strategy Is About Knowing Where to Push<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Great strategists don\u2019t just push harder\u2014they push smarter. They know that the greatest results often come not from throwing more resources at a problem, but from finding the precise point where effort creates exponential return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Meadows wrote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cFolks who stake their lives on understanding and changing systems often come to feel that leverage points are not intuitive. Or if they are, we intuitively use them backward.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Make leverage thinking part of your executive toolkit. It will change not only how you lead\u2014but how your whole system performs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Missed out on the <a href=\"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5292\">over all series<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Murray Slatter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strategy, Growth, and Transformation Consultant: <a href=\"https:\/\/outlook.office.com\/bookwithme\/user\/ffef0aaaf9ce4fa9bc29e062d1cb0d0f@qfactor.com.au?anonymous&amp;ep=bwmEmailSignature\">Book time to meet with me here!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Or Signup for the Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-leadin-hubspot-form-block\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\twindow.hsFormsOnReady = window.hsFormsOnReady || [];\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\twindow.hsFormsOnReady.push(()=>{\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thbspt.forms.create({\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tportalId: 24391455,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tformId: \"03fd50b1-a049-4bdb-b064-cff39a5f75dd\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttarget: \"#hbspt-form-1777394449000-6048379100\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tregion: \"na1\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t})});\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/script>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hbspt-form\" id=\"hbspt-form-1777394449000-6048379100\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Where Small Shifts Create Big Impacts In the realm of complex systems\u2014whether in business, society, or biology\u2014there exist hidden spots where a small, well-focused push can produce a disproportionately large effect. These are called leverage points. For executives and systems [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5457,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","clearfix"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Leverage Points - Murray Slatter<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Leverage Points - Murray Slatter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Where Small Shifts Create Big Impacts In the realm of complex systems\u2014whether in business, society, or biology\u2014there exist hidden spots where a small, well-focused push can produce a disproportionately large effect. These are called leverage points. For executives and systems [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Murray Slatter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-06-11T11:09:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-11T11:09:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/leverage-points.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Murray Slatter\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Murray Slatter\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Murray Slatter\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9774d7f727e6b917f43267614574f6d5\"},\"headline\":\"Leverage Points\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-11T11:09:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-11T11:09:29+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444\"},\"wordCount\":922,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444\",\"name\":\"Leverage Points - Murray Slatter\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-11T11:09:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-11T11:09:29+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9774d7f727e6b917f43267614574f6d5\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":707},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?p=5444#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Leverage Points\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/\",\"name\":\"Murray Slatter\",\"description\":\"Empowering Good teams to be Great!\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9774d7f727e6b917f43267614574f6d5\",\"name\":\"Murray Slatter\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8aa0f1751d211918ccc2037a8b3ce22431cec7bef7edf9c993cee70e20717c88?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8aa0f1751d211918ccc2037a8b3ce22431cec7bef7edf9c993cee70e20717c88?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/8aa0f1751d211918ccc2037a8b3ce22431cec7bef7edf9c993cee70e20717c88?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Murray Slatter\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/murrayslatter.me\\\/?author=2\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Leverage Points - Murray Slatter","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Leverage Points - Murray Slatter","og_description":"Where Small Shifts Create Big Impacts In the realm of complex systems\u2014whether in business, society, or biology\u2014there exist hidden spots where a small, well-focused push can produce a disproportionately large effect. These are called leverage points. For executives and systems [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444","og_site_name":"Murray Slatter","article_published_time":"2025-06-11T11:09:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-06-11T11:09:29+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":707,"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/leverage-points.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Murray Slatter","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Murray Slatter","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444"},"author":{"name":"Murray Slatter","@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/#\/schema\/person\/9774d7f727e6b917f43267614574f6d5"},"headline":"Leverage Points","datePublished":"2025-06-11T11:09:27+00:00","dateModified":"2025-06-11T11:09:29+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444"},"wordCount":922,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1","inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444","url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444","name":"Leverage Points - Murray Slatter","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1","datePublished":"2025-06-11T11:09:27+00:00","dateModified":"2025-06-11T11:09:29+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/#\/schema\/person\/9774d7f727e6b917f43267614574f6d5"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1","width":1024,"height":707},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5444#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Leverage Points"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/#website","url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/","name":"Murray Slatter","description":"Empowering Good teams to be Great!","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/#\/schema\/person\/9774d7f727e6b917f43267614574f6d5","name":"Murray Slatter","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8aa0f1751d211918ccc2037a8b3ce22431cec7bef7edf9c993cee70e20717c88?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8aa0f1751d211918ccc2037a8b3ce22431cec7bef7edf9c993cee70e20717c88?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8aa0f1751d211918ccc2037a8b3ce22431cec7bef7edf9c993cee70e20717c88?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Murray Slatter"},"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?author=2"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/leverage-points.jpeg?fit=1024%2C707&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1511,"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=1511","url_meta":{"origin":5444,"position":0},"title":"Thinking in Systems","author":"admin","date":"May 19, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s probably been made clear to you over the years that your body is a system. Your heart pumps your blood through your veins, your kidneys remove waste from your blood, you\u2019re able to breathe because of your lungs, and so on. In other words, the organs that make up\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;UniQ&quot;","block_context":{"text":"UniQ","link":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?cat=22"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thinking-in-systems.jpg?fit=869%2C869&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thinking-in-systems.jpg?fit=869%2C869&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thinking-in-systems.jpg?fit=869%2C869&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thinking-in-systems.jpg?fit=869%2C869&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5477,"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5477","url_meta":{"origin":5444,"position":1},"title":"Systems Archetypes","author":"Murray Slatter","date":"June 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Recognising the Patterns Behind Strategic Failures One of the most powerful breakthroughs in systems thinking is the identification of \u201csystems archetypes\u201d\u2014recurring patterns of behavior that crop up in organisations, economies, and societies. These archetypes act like diagnostic templates, helping leaders quickly make sense of complex situations, avoid strategic missteps, and\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hosseini_eight-systems-archetypes-affect-on-aachievement-of-sdg.jpg?fit=1082%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hosseini_eight-systems-archetypes-affect-on-aachievement-of-sdg.jpg?fit=1082%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hosseini_eight-systems-archetypes-affect-on-aachievement-of-sdg.jpg?fit=1082%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hosseini_eight-systems-archetypes-affect-on-aachievement-of-sdg.jpg?fit=1082%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hosseini_eight-systems-archetypes-affect-on-aachievement-of-sdg.jpg?fit=1082%2C1023&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5480,"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5480","url_meta":{"origin":5444,"position":2},"title":"Iceberg Model of Systems","author":"Murray Slatter","date":"June 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"In the world of strategic leadership, what\u2019s visible is rarely what\u2019s important. When issues arise in business\u2014whether it's declining profitability, customer dissatisfaction, or project delays\u2014the temptation is to treat the symptoms at face value. But true systems thinkers know: the real leverage lies beneath the surface. Enter the Iceberg Model\u2014a\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Final-Iceberg-Model-e1575671100675.jpg?fit=600%2C777&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Final-Iceberg-Model-e1575671100675.jpg?fit=600%2C777&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Final-Iceberg-Model-e1575671100675.jpg?fit=600%2C777&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5481,"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5481","url_meta":{"origin":5444,"position":3},"title":"Stock and Flow Diagrams","author":"Murray Slatter","date":"June 12, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"In the realm of systems and strategic thinking, one of the most powerful tools we can use to understand complex dynamics is the stock and flow model. While the name might sound abstract, the concept is remarkably intuitive\u2014and once grasped, it transforms the way you see everything from cash flow\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Stock-and-Flow.png?fit=961%2C466&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Stock-and-Flow.png?fit=961%2C466&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Stock-and-Flow.png?fit=961%2C466&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Stock-and-Flow.png?fit=961%2C466&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5447,"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5447","url_meta":{"origin":5444,"position":4},"title":"Butterfly Effect","author":"Murray Slatter","date":"June 12, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Small Causes, Monumental Consequences in Strategic Thinking In systems thinking, few concepts are as poetic and profound as the Butterfly Effect. Borrowed from chaos theory, it refers to the idea that tiny inputs in complex systems can produce massive, unpredictable consequences. The metaphor\u2014a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil triggering\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ButterflyEffect.png?fit=956%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ButterflyEffect.png?fit=956%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ButterflyEffect.png?fit=956%2C638&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ButterflyEffect.png?fit=956%2C638&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5452,"url":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/?p=5452","url_meta":{"origin":5444,"position":5},"title":"Law of Diminishing Returns","author":"Murray Slatter","date":"June 12, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\"More\" is not always better. Sometimes, it's just more. In strategy and systems thinking, one of the most misunderstood\u2014and most misapplied\u2014principles is the Law of Diminishing Returns. Popularized in classical economics but with profound implications for systems design, business strategy, leadership, and scaling, this law tells us a fundamental truth:\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Law-of-Deminishing-returns.png?fit=836%2C549&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Law-of-Deminishing-returns.png?fit=836%2C549&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Law-of-Deminishing-returns.png?fit=836%2C549&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/murrayslatter.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Law-of-Deminishing-returns.png?fit=836%2C549&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5444"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5444\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5459,"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5444\/revisions\/5459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/murrayslatter.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}