An escalation structure results from two or more competing entities with the competition taking them to somewhere none of them want to be. See also Archetypes.
An infinite number of mathematicians walk into a bar. The first one tells the bartender he wants a beer. The second one says he wants half a beer. The third one says he wants a fourth of a beer. The bartender puts two beers on the bar and says “You guys need to learn your limits.” From Wild About Math.
A system is an entity that the existence of which is maintained via the mutual interaction of its parts and which demonstrates characteristics not exhibited by any of its parts.
Causal loop diagrams are more rigorous than rich pictures though are still only contain a very few elements with well defined rules for connecting them.
Our actions are based on our beliefs and the results of those actions are the basis for our beliefs. The difficulty we create for ourselves is that we make assumptions as to how to interpret the results we select based on our beliefs. As a result we are often operating on a flawed perspective of reality.
When the typical approach doesn't work we tend to rely on our tried and true problem solving approaches, which as you will see really aren't that good.
The goal seeking structure endeavors to bring a balance between a current state and a desired state. This is one of the two foundation archetypes. The other being the growth structure. See also Archetypes.
To this point the Situation, Behavior, Model, Stakeholder and Boundary aspects of this situation have been investigated. It is now appropriate to consider the assumptions that have been made to this point and ensure we are on a solid foundation before proceeding to the Leverage and Strategy aspects are considered.
From reading Why Politics Makes Us Stupid by Ezra Klein I though I had discovered a new archetype though it's really just a simple reinforcing structure, or so it seems.
It's now time for the stakeholders to take the investigation resulting from leverage and craft a strategy which will address the current situation in a manner that is beneficial to the whole system.
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This model is part of
And? Understanding Relationships & Their Implications.
There are things we can influence and usually a broader array of things we are concerned about though can't influence. It's important to know the differerence otherwise we waste our energies trying to change things we have no influence over.
Strategy is simply an idea as to how to move the current situation to the desired situation though it is seldom simple by any means. If the strategy is to be successful how numerous elements will be able support each other through the transition must be defined.
This model introduces the S/O and +/- notation for depicting the relations that might exist between two elements along with why the +/- notation is preferred.
This structure show the potential benefit from the development of a knowledgebase to support performance. With this potential benefit why is it so difficult for it to happen. What loops might be missing here.