Operating Principle

2–4 min read

Complex Systems Fail Gradually, Then All at Once

Complex Systems Fail Gradually, Then All at Once

Complex Systems Fail Gradually, Then All at Once

Serious failures emerge from accumulated small compromises rather than one dramatic error.

Serious failures emerge from accumulated small compromises rather than one dramatic error.

Serious failures emerge from accumulated small compromises rather than one dramatic error.

Drift into failure becomes visible only after safety margins are already eroded.

Drift into failure becomes visible only after safety margins are already eroded.

Drift into failure becomes visible only after safety margins are already eroded.

Drift into failure becomes visible only after safety margins are already eroded.

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Operating Question

What system structure, feedback loop, or incentive is producing this outcome?

What system structure, feedback loop, or incentive is producing this outcome?

What system structure, feedback loop, or incentive is producing this outcome?

Why It Matters

Drift into failure becomes visible only after safety margins are already eroded.

Supporting Evidence

Sidney Dekker, “Drift into Failure”; Charles Perrow.

Research Notes

Use this as a systems diagnosis lens and test its fit against the specific operating context.

Practical Actions

Track cumulative drift; review small compromises together; compare against original standards.

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