182 Leading with NLP
work well for unstructured, unbounded problems where the
problem is not clear and there is no single right answer. First,
there is no guarantee that you have all the factors. There is
no ‘master’ list to check against. Secondly, the list ignores
the relationships between the factors. It is like listing a group
of numbers without saying whether you add them, subtract
them or multiply them.
When this type of thinking is applied, although each fac-
tor may improve, the overall result may still disappoint. Also,
when resources are moved back once the project is over, the
initial problem may return. A better way to think about prob-
lems is by looking at how the factors relate so that you can
create a series of loops.
From Straight Lines to Loops
Think of a new initiative you want to take.
Brainstorm a list of key factors and put them in order
of priority.
Then, starting with the top factor, aim to create a self-
reinforcing loop by asking:
What would lead to this factor growing and being self-
sustaining?
How can I link it to other factors in a way that leads to
growth?Aim to create a series of loops that will maintain or
increase the key factors. Where would be the best place
to allocate your resources?
Often the best place to spend your time and money
is not on the top priority factor, but on another further
down the list because it will cause a chain reaction that
will lead to your top priority growing automatically.
This lower priority factor is the leverage point. It may
not be obvious.
Look for side-effects as well.
Could these factors also work against each other?
How can you arrange your resources so they work
together?