Systems Mapping: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

Happy Friday!

Mapping systems is fun because lightbulb moments are fun. Even people who are certain they know how things are working gain surprising new insights during a group mapping process.

So today I’m focusing on a key concept of systems mapping: the feedback loop.

Feedback is a repeating cycle in which an effect effects its cause 🧐

For example: more funding leads to more impact, and more impact attracts more funding. Here’s the map:

The blue arrows with the “s” mean the cause and effect go in the same direction. A red arrow with an “o” would mean the cause and effect go in the opposite direction.

Feedback loops are either “reinforcing” or “balancing.” A reinforcing loop (above) compounds on itself, producing unrestrained growth or decline. A balancing loop (below) reaches a certain state or level and then evens out.

For example: fundraising results decrease, which causes an increase in management pressure, which improves results, which allows management to lower the pressure.

Here’s the map:

What other effects might be caused by “management pressure”? Those are the questions that lead to lightbulb moments in team settings.

Well, that’s our minute for this week. If you want to study ahead for next week, check out the PS.

Have a great weekend!

Drew

Previous
Previous

Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making with Group Mapping

Next
Next

Embracing Emergence: How Nonprofit Leaders Can Solve Complex Problems