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description: Recognize recurring systemic patterns causing unintended consequences
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# Systems Archetypes (Senge)

Identify common structural patterns in complex systems to anticipate unintended consequences and find high-leverage interventions.

## Steps

1. Map the situation as a causal loop diagram — identify reinforcing (R) and balancing (B) feedback loops.
2. Match against known archetypes: **Fixes That Backfire**, **Limits to Growth**, **Shifting the Burden**, **Eroding Goals**, **Escalation**, **Tragedy of the Commons**, **Growth and Underinvestment**.
3. Identify the archetype's signature behavior (e.g., short-term fix worsening long-term problem).
4. Locate the **leverage point** — the structural change that breaks the dysfunctional pattern.
5. Design an intervention targeting the leverage point rather than the symptom.

## Output Format

Causal loop diagram description, identified archetype with pattern match rationale, leverage point analysis, and recommended structural intervention.