Foundational concept
The Execution Gap
The distance between intended and actual organisational execution.
Strategy is not execution
The gap forms during work.
Organisations have more policies, processes, controls, technology and data than ever. None guarantees that the right thing happens when work is performed.
Illustrative
The Execution Gap
Organisational intentMaterial moments of executionActual execution
Observe
See what happens.
Compare
Relate action to intent.
Intervene
Act at moments that matter.
AmbiguityHandoffsWorkaroundsWaitingConflicting sources
Three lenses
Stated, reported and operational reality
Illustrative
Operational Reality Map
Stated Reality
Formal route
Reported Reality
Described route
Operational Reality
Observed route
WaitsHidden approvalsWorkaroundsReworkInformal handoffsA Potential Assurance Point
Comparing the three lenses helps explain divergence without blaming the people adapting to complexity.
Begin with one workflow
Examine one workflow
Operational Reality Mapping makes the Execution Gap visible in a bounded, important job.