Connection Circles

Connection Circles are a systems thinking tool that helps you visualize the relationships and feedback loops between different elements in a system. They reveal the hidden connections that drive system behavior.

1. Identify the key elements — List 5-10 variables or elements that are important in the system you're analyzing.
2. Arrange them in a circle — Write each element around the edge of a circle.
3. Draw connections — Draw arrows between elements that influence each other. The arrow points from the cause to the effect.
4. Label the connections — Mark each arrow as:

• (+) if an increase in the cause leads to an increase in the effect (same direction)
• (-) if an increase in the cause leads to a decrease in the effect (opposite direction)

1. Identify feedback loops — Follow the arrows around to find loops. A loop with all (+) connections is a reinforcing loop. A loop with an odd number of (-) connections is a balancing loop.

Elements: Customer Satisfaction, Word of Mouth, New Customers, Revenue, Product Investment, Product Quality

Customer Satisfaction → (+) Word of Mouth → (+) New Customers → (+) Revenue → (+) Product Investment → (+) Product Quality → (+) Customer Satisfaction

This is a reinforcing loop — improvements feed back on themselves.

Connection Circles help you see the big picture of how systems work. By visualizing relationships and feedback loops, you can identify leverage points where small changes can have outsized effects.