Law of Participation

The results we achieve are determined by the level of structured participation we build around what matters to us, relative to the friction that holds us back.

In simple terms

If participation doesn’t exceed friction, nothing changes.

What This Means

Every situation comes down to two forces:

Participation
The people, effort, and coordination required and applied

Friction
Everything that makes change difficult

The Rule

Ideas-Shared Participation Level (PL Scale)

Different ambitions require different levels of participation.

The Participation Level (PL) Scale helps you estimate how much participation is likely needed to achieve your outcome.

The Scale

PL1 — Very Small Personal Participation: Actions that can be taken by an individual or a few people

PL2 — Localised Participation: Actions within a town, village, or local community

PL3 — Regional Participation: Actions across a wider area such as a county or region

PL4 — National Participation: Actions requiring coordination across a country

PL5 — Global Participation: Actions requiring widespread international participation and sustained effort

How to Use This

When you create an activity listing, ask:

What level of participation is needed to achieve this outcome?

Select the level that feels right.

Important

This is a guide. You decide what your ambition requires.

The connection to the Law of Participation

If participation doesn’t exceed friction, nothing changes.

The Participation Level Scale indicates to the world, your view of the level of participation needed to complete the activity and realise the ambition.

When something isn’t working, don’t overthink it.

Ask:

Will I have enough structured participation to overcome the friction?

If not:

That’s it

You don’t need a perfect plan. You need enough structured participation and the path to realise the outcomes you want – personally, professionally, and societally.