article thumbnail

Are These Systems Serving or Subverting Organization Results?

The Practical Leader

“The 85/15 Rule” emerged from decades of root cause analysis of service/quality breakdowns. About 85% of the time the fault is caused by the system, processes, structure, or practices of the organization. When placed in the same system, people, however different, tend to produce similar results.”

System 52
article thumbnail

“Nailed it.” A lesson in overcoming project complexity

Deming Institute

After we defined the Aim and value chain (the activities that contribute directly to achieving the Aim), we looked at inputs and influences – starting with the obvious – software, knowledge, development tools and the like. As the list of inputs waned – we crossed over to outputs and outcomes. When we finished, we had a picture.

Project 28
article thumbnail

To Handle Increased Stress, Build Your Resilience

Harvard Business Review

When overwhelmed or anxious, pause to examine how your default outlook is influencing your perception of the stress. Ask yourself, “How close am I to the root causes or deci­sion makers in these circumstances? ” Make a note, either mentally or in written form of what’s within and outside of your influence.

Stress 15