What is Systems Archetypes?

Systems Archetypes are classic “stories” or common patterns that repeat themselves in many different situations, from a company’s struggles to a person’s personal habits. They are one of the most powerful tools in Systems Thinking because they act as a kind of shorthand. Instead of trying to figure out a new problem from scratch, you can look at its behavior and match it to a known archetype.

Each archetype has a specific structure and behavior that helps you understand the problem’s root cause. For example, when you recognize the pattern of a “Fixes That Fail” archetype, you know that the solution is not to find another quick fix but to stop the cycle and look for a real, long-term solution. They provide a common language and framework for diagnosing and discussing complex issues.

Read More in detail about Systems Archetypes and 8 Different Archeytypes here