Operating Principle

2–4 min read

Every System Is Designed to Get the Results It Gets

Every System Is Designed to Get the Results It Gets

Every System Is Designed to Get the Results It Gets

Persistent outcomes usually reveal system design rather than individual failure.

Persistent outcomes usually reveal system design rather than individual failure.

Persistent outcomes usually reveal system design rather than individual failure.

Incentives, structure, and information flow produce the results they produce.

Incentives, structure, and information flow produce the results they produce.

Incentives, structure, and information flow produce the results they produce.

Incentives, structure, and information flow produce the results they produce.

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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

Incentives, structure, and information flow produce the results they produce.

Supporting Evidence

W. Edwards Deming.

Research Notes

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

Practical Actions

Examine design first; map incentives; test system change before replacing people.

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