The Two Loops Model

Seeing Change Differently: A Look at the Two Loops Model

If you’ve been part of a workplace reorganization or a community shift, you know change isn’t simply “out with the old, in with the new.” The Two Loops Model, developed by The Berkana Institute, presents a more nuanced vision. It recognizes that while one system declines, another emerges. By mapping both processes, the model helps us navigate shifts with greater clarity and purpose.

What Is the Two Loops Model?

At its simplest, Two Loops is a visual framework with two “S-curves” overlapping:

1. Old System Loop – an established system (organization, industry, or social structure) that has entered its decline phase.
2. New System Loop – a budding, more resilient approach arising even before the old system fully fades out.

Though we often think change arrives only after the old system collapses, the Two Loops Model shows how both processes—declining structures and emerging innovations—coexist.

Key Roles in the Two Loops Model

1. Pioneers and Innovators
These are the folks who experiment with fresh ideas. Think of them as early birds noticing a need for new solutions. They may create small pilot projects or grassroots initiatives. While the dominant system still commands attention, pioneers quietly give form to what’s possible next.

2. Hospice Workers
Every system leaves behind things we can learn from or adapt. “Hospice workers” help honor and release an old way of doing things without dismissing the wisdom it contains. By capturing essential lessons, they ensure institutional memory and empathy remain present in the new approach.

3. Bridge Builders
They link the falling system to the emerging one. Bridge builders connect pioneers with valuable resources and also comfort those who feel disoriented by the shift. They ease communication so that innovators aren’t seen as mere “rebels,” but as constructive partners.

4. Illuminators and Networks
As pockets of change take root, illuminators share stories of success. In the Two Loops framework, amplifying small wins is a crucial step. When a local pilot or new practice works, networks can help replicate it elsewhere. This creates a ripple effect, scaling up innovations.

Why the Two Loops Model Matters

1. Gentle Transition
   Most frameworks on organizational or societal change imply “progress vs. stagnation.” But Two Loops respects that people and institutions have histories—and real-world transitions go more smoothly when we honor that history.
2. Multiple Pathways
   From a distance, it may look like an old system “dies” and something entirely different appears. In reality, new approaches grow alongside or underneath legacy systems. This dynamic interplay encourages flexible thinking.
3. Bridging Differences
   Using Two Loops can reduce tension between “innovators” and “traditionalists.” The model reminds us that both roles are vital. While some maintain stability, others sow the seeds of fresh structures.

Anecdotal Example: Community Food Networks

Imagine a town long dependent on a single supermarket chain. Over time, prices go up, and the store feels less aligned with local culture. A few residents start small-scale farming co-ops. In the Two Loops view:

• Hospice Workers memorialize the store’s role—recognizing it provided a meeting place and consistent products for years.
• Pioneers run co-op pilots, growing organic produce. Neighbors can buy shares.
• Bridge Builders convince local government to let the co-ops operate in old warehouse spaces.
• Illuminators post success stories on social media, attracting more members and potential partners.

While the old system (the chain store) still operates, the seeds of a more localized, self-sustaining network flourish. This side-by-side evolution eases conflict and fosters a more stable transition.

How to Apply the Two Loops Model

• Assess What’s Declining: Recognize the signs of an outdated system—whether it’s a project, culture, or policy.
• Look for Green Shoots: Identify small-scale efforts that could become bigger solutions with support.
• Encourage Collaboration: Bring “pioneers” and “conservers” (those attached to the old system) into dialogue, rather than pitting them against each other.
• Tell Success Stories: Highlighting constructive new practices can energize a broader network, drawing in resources and partnerships.

References and Further Reading

1. The Berkana Institute (https://berkana.org/) – Foundational materials on the Two Loops Model and community-driven change.
2. Wheatley, M. and Frieze, D. (2011). Walk Out Walk On: A Learning Journey into Communities Daring to Live the Future Now. Berrett-Koehler.
3. Frieze, D. and Wheatley, M. (2006). “Using Emergence to Take Social Innovations to Scale” – An article explaining how small pilots can grow into large-scale movements.

The Two Loops Model shows that change rarely arrives with a clean break from the past. Instead, it arises in the tension between decline and innovation. By naming the roles that individuals play and acknowledging the ongoing interplay, organizations and communities can move forward more smoothly. Whether you’re in a corporate restructure or a local neighborhood project, the Two Loops offer insight into honoring where you’ve been while building something new in real time.