Where are the weak points in the system we’re trying to change – places where we can bring leverage and create meaningful impact?
Are there any different parts of the system straining against each other?
What are the information gaps where better feedback could change behavior?
Can we see the bottlenecks where flow is restricted but could be improved?
Or, power imbalances where rebalancing could create fairer outcomes?
What are the recurring frustrations where the same problems keep reappearing?
Where are the bright spots where success keeps happening despite systemic challenges?
The best places to experiment often exist where:
- We have sufficient access and influence
- Feedback cycles are fast enough to learn quickly
- Stakes are high enough to matter but not so high they’re paralyzing
- Success would be visible enough to inspire further change
- Failures would be recoverable and instructive
Perhaps the key isn’t trying to change the entire system at once, but finding those specific points where targeted efforts can create ripples throughout the system.
Systems change is more likely to happen not through frontal assaults, but through strategic interventions at precisely the right points.