The Systems Change Tree was adapted from the Iceberg Model by Jill Andres, Carole Muriithi and Elder Robert Greene (with the original design by Amy Rintoul). The description of the components below is taken directly from the authors’ explanation of the tree (see From Iceberg to Tree).
Leaves: These outcomes and events are the symptoms of the challenge we experience and react to. This is what we are doing when it feels like we are constantly putting out fires. Our tendency is to try to address the symptoms, approaching them as though they are simple challenges.
Branches: Branches represent patterns which are the changes that occur over a period of time. They are the trends that help us to anticipate what’s going to happen. This is where we gather data and stories that give us insight into what we may see at the event level.
Sap: Relationships and power dynamics flow throughout systems and must be made explicit and addressed. These are the formal and informal ways individuals and organizations hold decision-making power, authority and influence. They also inform understandings of expressions of power (power over/power with) and how equity, diversity, inclusion and privilege shape our relational experiences of connection or disconnection.
Trunk: Structures are the ways in which our institutions and organizations are designed – and can be redesigned. They include:
- Policies: rules, regulations, and priorities (formal and informal)
- Practices: the things we do on a day-to-day basis that we may or may not be fully aware of, i.e., “how we do things”
- Resource flows: how money, energy, knowledge and information are allocated and distributed
Roots: Mindsets (and “heartsets”) are individually and/or collectively held values, beliefs, assumptions, and values that influence our actions. These mental models are influenced by culture, creator stories, and self-narratives. This is the most difficult—and potentially the most transformative—level at which to create change.
Interrelated Systems: Systems are not discrete, standalone entities. They are intertwined with other systems. Therefore, as we seek to create change, we need to remain aware of the influence systems have on each other.
Natural Ecosystems (Mother Earth): We are all part of a living ecosystem of interconnected and interdependent beings—human and non-human—that affect and are affected by every change we seek to make. We might call these relationships the laws of nature.
Deeper Dive
- Andres, J. From Iceberg to Tree. April 2, 2024.
Related Frameworks
- Action Scales Model: focused on the weight of the levels
- Iceberg: more focused on the power of the levels rather than their interdependency
- Intervention Level Framework: like the Iceberg model but with the mindsets at the top
- Six Conditions for System Change: focused on the sap, trunk and roots