High-Leverage Thinking for Engineers - Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows

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Apr 21, 2025

Carter and Nathan dive into systems thinking with insights from Donella Meadows. They explore concepts like stocks, flows, and feedback loops, connecting them to software engineering. The discussion highlights the role of systems thinking in preventing burnout and understanding organizational dynamics. They reflect on societal changes, from shifting music consumption to evolving predictive models. Listeners learn how small changes can drive significant impacts, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in both personal and professional settings.

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INSIGHT

Stocks, Flows, and Sustainability

Systems consist of measurable stocks with inflows and outflows that control their behavior.
Understanding if a stock is renewable or finite is critical for sustainability and managing complex systems.

ANECDOTE

Motivation as a Stock Example

Carter Morgan saw motivation as a stock that depletes unless replenished.
He admits to burning out by constantly working without breaks and not refilling motivation.

INSIGHT

Power and Danger of Feedback Loops

Feedback loops amplify or regulate systems, which can be positive or negative.
Over-optimizing feedback frequency can cause thrashing, making systems unstable instead of efficient.

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