https://modelthinkers.com/mental-model/critical-mass-tipping-point
Use this model to remind yourself that change does not always happen in slow, visible and consistent steps. Sometimes, you'll hit an unexpected point of explosive change and undeniable momentum when you least expect it.
Critical Mass, or a Tipping Point, is reached after a period of slow change within a system suddenly accelerates in an irreversible and exponential fashion.
FROM NUCLEAR BOMBS AND VIRUSES.
Critical Mass originated in nuclear physics to describe the smallest amount of material needed to achieve a self-sustaining nuclear Chain Reaction, and in epidemiology to explain the exponential spread of viruses. Today, Critical Mass and Tipping Point have become common and largely interchangeable mental models to explain social dynamics and change.
GLADWELL'S VERSION.
In his book, Tipping Point Malcolm Gladwell describes how certain 'sticky' ideas reach Tipping Point and hit a moment where they "spread like epidemics" (and no, that did not age well!). He cites the Pareto Principle as playing a key factor in achieving this.
CHARACTERISTICS.
Typical characteristics of a Tipping Point change **include its apparent suddenness, even though it has been building for some time; the irreversible momentum that takes place moving forward; and the often exponential nature of that change.
These models help to explain seemingly sudden and radical changes by identifying the transition between slow and hard to notice the progress of an idea/ product/ belief/ video/ message as it spreads amongst a minority before it seems to 'suddenly' hit Critical Mass and ‘goes viral’ as it's quickly adopted by a broader audience.
APPLICATION.
Use this mental model to understand the change in any domain — from personal development, organisational transformation, political upheaval, product launches, uptake of new technology, marketing campaigns and more.
IN YOUR LATTICEWORK.
In addition to the already mentioned Pareto Principle and Chain Reaction, it's worth noting the affinity of Tipping Point and Critical Mass to other mental models such as *Activation Energy,* Catalysts and Compounding.
Actionable Takeaways
You might be working on something that has no hope of 'breakout' success. Perhaps it is a lost cause that barely catches on. Alternatively, you might be reaching a Critical Mass that will return explosive growth. So what's the line between delusion and high-value persistence? Let me know when you work that one out.
Rather than trying to directly shift everyone’s mind or reach everybody with a service or an idea, consider how to reach a Critical Mass/ Tipping Point by targeting a smaller segment with the aim of initiating a self-sustaining and rapidly growing chain reaction.