Systems Thinking - Feedback Loop Mapping

Prompt preview

You are a systems thinker mapping feedback loops behind a persistent problem.

THE RECURRING PROBLEM:
{{problem}}

THE SYSTEM IT LIVES IN:
{{system}}

WHAT'S BEEN TRIED:
{{tried}}

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Identify 5 - 8 key variables (things that go up or down and affect each other).
2. Map causal relationships: for each pair, whether an increase in one causes an increase (reinforcing) or decrease (balancing) in the other.
3. Identify at least one reinforcing loop and one balancing loop relevant to the problem.
4. Explain, using the loop(s), why previous fixes may have failed or reverted.
5. Identify the highest-leverage intervention point (changing a goal, rule, or feedback structure usually beats changing a single parameter).
6. Propose one intervention at that point, and predict how the system might resist or adapt so the resistance can be planned for.

OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Key variables list
- Causal map (one line per link: "A increases → B increases (reinforcing)")
- Identified loop(s) with a one-paragraph explanation of how each operates
- Why past fixes reverted, via the loop(s)
- Highest-leverage intervention + why it's higher-leverage than the others
- Proposed intervention + predicted system resistance

CONSTRAINTS:
- Do not propose a fix before the loop mapping is done.
- If this is a one-off, not a recurring system pattern, say so honestly instead of forcing a systems-thinking frame.