System Archetypes: Drift to low performance

(a.k.a. Eroding goals) Nicolas Neumann-Micheau Max Weichert

The eroding goals archetype

Situation: two interfering loops:

• rise effort

or

fundamental solution

in the past about the future 

Problem:

Occuring gap between previously defined goal and actual state creates tension Source: William Braun – The System Archetypes (2002)

Consequences for lowering goals

 Repeated process leads to a lax goal orientation within the company culture Source: William Braun – The System Archetypes (2002)

Examples

• balancing the public debt • sliding limits of environmental pollution • performance of a group which is inexperienced in project work • people who lower personal goals to achieve the feeling to be successful more often

4/15

Solution – 7 steps

• Identify performance measure • Identify goals conflicting with stated goals • Identify standard methods for closing the • gap • Examine past history of goal 

anchor goal to conditions outside of production process (e.g. industry standards, costumer feedback)

• Create a vision for improvement involving everyone • Create transition plan

Reference

• William Brown – The System Archetypes (2002): 

http://wwwu.uni-klu.ac.at/gossimit/pap/sd/wb_sysarch.pdf

6/15

Thank you for your attention!