How do you manage the interdependencies and feedback loops in your network?

1 What is network modelling?

Network modelling is a method of visualizing and analyzing the structure and dynamics of a network, such as a group of people, organizations, or processes that are connected by some type of relationship or interaction. Network modelling can help you understand how the network behaves, how it influences and is influenced by change, and how it can be optimized or improved. Network modelling can also help you identify the key actors, roles, and relationships in your network, as well as the potential risks, opportunities, and leverage points for change.

2 How to create a network model?

There are different types of network models, such as social network analysis, system dynamics, causal loop diagrams, or agent-based modelling, that can be used for different purposes and levels of complexity. However, the basic steps of creating a network model are similar. You need to define the scope and purpose of your model, collect and organize the data and information about your network, choose the appropriate tools and techniques to represent and analyze your network, and validate and refine your model based on feedback and testing.

3 How to identify interdependencies and feedback loops?

Interdependencies and feedback loops are two important features of network models that can have significant implications for change management. Interdependencies are the connections and dependencies between the nodes or elements of your network, such as people, organizations, or processes. Feedback loops are the circular patterns of cause and effect that occur within or across your network, such as reinforcing or balancing loops. To identify interdependencies and feedback loops, you need to map and measure the relationships and interactions in your network, and look for patterns, cycles, or flows of information, resources, or influence.

4 How to manage interdependencies and feedback loops?

Managing interdependencies and feedback loops is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process of monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting your network model and your change management actions. You need to consider the direction and strength of the interdependencies and feedback loops - whether they are positive or negative, strong or weak, direct or indirect, linear or nonlinear - as well as their impact and influence on the performance, behavior, and outcomes of your network and your change initiative. Additionally, you should assess their alignment and coherence - are they consistent or conflicting, synergistic or antagonistic, stable or dynamic? - as well as their leverage and control - how can you use them to facilitate or accelerate change, or to mitigate or prevent resistance or unintended consequences? How can you influence or modify them to achieve your change goals?

5 How to leverage interdependencies and feedback loops?

Leveraging interdependencies and feedback loops can be a powerful tool to enhance your change management strategy and performance. You can do this by building supportive relationships, engaging key actors, creating positive feedback loops, breaking negative feedback loops, and experimenting with new interdependencies. For instance, you can encourage trust and collaboration, identify influencers and champions, provide incentives and rewards for positive change, remove barriers and bottlenecks that impede progress, and explore cross-functional teams or co-creation to generate new solutions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?