The Core Insight
Similar patterns repeat at different scales—like coastlines that look similar from space, from a plane, or standing on the beach.
In business, the same structural patterns often appear at the industry, company, team, and individual levels.
Nature’s Fractals
- Pattern repeats at every scale
- Branch → twig → leaf vein
- Same “jaggedness” at any zoom
The Four Components
1. Self-Similarity
The same pattern recurring at different scales.
2. Pattern Recognition
Identifying recurring structures across contexts.
3. Scale Dynamics
How systems behave at different scales.
4. Systems Thinking
Viewing the whole system and its interconnections.
Fractal Patterns in Business
| Level | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Level | “Winner-take-most” dynamics | Google in search, Amazon in e-commerce |
| Company Level | Political dynamics mirror industry | CEO’s vision shapes all decisions |
| Team Level | Meeting dynamics mirror company | Loudest person sets agenda |
Same pattern as below → Same strategic response works!
Connection to Cognitive Range
Fractal thinking explains why cognitive range works.
If patterns repeat at scale, insights at one level inform understanding at others.
Recognize the pattern once → Apply it across all resolutions.
This is part of a comprehensive analysis. Read the full analysis on The Business Engineer.
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