Archetype
Description
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We have lowered our standards to close the gap between the actual and desired
performance.
We notice there is a gap between the goal and the actual. There are two ways
we might take to close the gap. One way is, if we truly care for the goal we
would take corrective actions to move our actual state closer to the intended
goal. The other way is allow pressures there are in the system (e.g. people
griping about the lack of time or that there is too much effort involved) to lower
the goal over time our perception that there is a gap goes away in which case
the need to take actions to correct the current reality goes away as well. As
such no further action takes place.
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Behaviour over
time
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Commonly
used words or
early warning
symptoms
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We have no time for visions – we need to get on with the current reality – lower
the vision!
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Example(s)
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“The story of NASA”
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Tips to note
when using
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What is the
thinking?
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“Our current level of activity is acceptable, even though it is below standard.”
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Managing the
intervention
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STAYING FOCUSED ON VISION
Various pressures can often take our attention away from what we are trying to
achieve. Used as a diagnostic tool, it can target drifting performance areas and
help organisations obtain their visions.
Intervention:
Look for drifting performance figures. This is a sign that the archetype was at
work and that real corrective actions are not being taken
Look for goals that conflict with the stated goal
Identify what are the ways we are taking (standard procedures) to close the
gap. Are these inadvertently contributing to the goal slippage
Examine the past history of the goal. Have these been lowered over time?
Anchor the goal to an external reference
Clarify a compelling vision that will involve everyone
Create a clear transition plan. Establish what it will take to achieve the vision and
establish a realistic timeline.
What it looks like if the system was working well:
"We know where we are going and what it will take to get there.”
We monitor, evaluate and adjust performance standards in order to achieve our
goals.
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