Leverage Points

Leverage points are places in a system where, “a small shift in one thing can produce big changes in everything” (Meadows, 1999).

The picture below depicts the use of a lever to move the weight (represented by the big block). It is easier to use a lever to move the weight, meaning, you have leverage. The placement of the fulcrum and the point of application of force (green arrows) in this physical system influence the ease by which the weight would be moved. In human-made systems, leverage is about the efficiency and efficacy of interventions for changing the systems in accordance with desired goals. A leverage point is the place in the system structure where the intervention is made.

Types of leverage

Leverage may be present in the physical aspects of the system, in the interrelationships between the elements such as information, feedback, communication and rules. Human beliefs and paradigms that construct and shape human systems are potentially the most powerful leverage to change system behaviour.

System infrastructure

Add constraints

Change rates

Increase buffers

Information flows

Modify feedback loops

Expand communications systems

Organizing principles

Change the rules that govern the system

Enhance the organization of the system

Align shared goals

Mindsets

Modify the beliefs that guide behaviour in the system

Expand the system’s ability to transcend paradigms

Based on Ehrlichman, David (2018). Identifying Leverage Points in a System.

https://medium.com/converge-perspectives/identifying-leverage-points-in-a-system-3b917f70ab13

Examples from Jeans and Chips systems

KALYAN – please help to give examples of all types of leverages here

System infrastructure	Examples from the Jeans system to reduce environmental impact	Examples from the Chips systems to reduce adverse health effects
Add constraints	Ban GM seeds	Ban chips with high trans fat
Change rates	Add an incentive to drop off old jeans for recycling	Charge a premium on chips in the school canteen
Increase buffers	Add organic matter to soil

Information flows
Modify feedback loops	Highlight the carbon footprint of jeans
Expand communications systems	Create opportunities for customers and designers to interact with each other

Organizing principles
Change the rules that govern the system	Create legislation that requires use of recycled metals for zips, rivets
Enhance the organization of the system
Align shared goals	Add environmental responsibility across the supply chain

Mindsets
Modify the beliefs that guide behaviour in the system	Promote the desire for sustainable, ethical jeans
Expand the system’s ability to transcend paradigms	Move to decentralized, diverse clothing with shorter value chains	Enjoy eating other healthier foods