explore · Strategy · 20–40 min · 2-20 people · medium energy

Leverage Points Finder

Walk the steps of one real workflow and, for each, refuse the question "can AI do this faster". Ask instead "where does AI multiply a person". The single highest-leverage step becomes the target of the redesign.

When to use Leverage Points Finder

Use after mapping a workflow, to find the one step where AI multiplies a human rather than merely speeding a task.

What it solves

Teams automate the step that is easiest to automate rather than the step where value actually sits.

How to run Leverage Points Finder, step by step

  1. List the steps of the workflow as they actually happen, not as the process document claims (10 min).
  2. For each step, write one sentence on where AI would multiply the human, not merely speed the task (15 min).
  3. Rate each step Low / Medium / High leverage. Force distinctions; not everything is High.
  4. Name the single highest-leverage step and write why it multiplies. This is what the redesign will target.

Materials needed

  • Printed workflow steps or sticky notes
  • Pens
  • The Iceberg Model output from the previous activity

Facilitator tips

  • Push back hard on 'AI could summarise this' — summarising a step is not multiplying a person.
  • If every step is rated High, the group has not understood the exercise. Force a single winner.
  • The highest-leverage step is often the boring one nobody has thought about.

Common pitfalls

  • Groups pick the step that is most annoying rather than most leveraged. Annoyance and leverage are different axes.
  • The step with the highest leverage is often owned by the most senior person in the room, so the group avoids it. Name that dynamic out loud.

What it produces

A rated workflow with one named highest-leverage step and the reason it multiplies.

Origin

Marco van Hout · Demadera — AI Capability Playbook (VERIFY, letter V). Builds on Donella Meadows' leverage points. — source

Build a session around Leverage Points Finder

METODIC places Leverage Points Finder inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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