#system #habits #continuous-improvement #process #process-improvement #control

idea

A mechanism is a step inserted in a process or system to enforce a behavior in order to achieve a desired outcome. It is aimed at transforming good intentions into actions. Mechanisms allow to transform wishful thinking into action. They can be tools or rituals added as part of an existing process. They can be one-time measure taken to ensure validation of steps towards an outcome (e.g. a test-plan covering certain aspects of a delivery as a mechanism to ensure progress on a certain area).

Examples of mechanisms are code review processes, or automated tests in a software pipeline. They can also be check-lists. A mechanism to prevent forgetting something before leaving is to put it in your shoes.

links

• As a personal-development tool mechanisms can be used to increase Productivity and for Continuous improvement (#7).
• Rules are mechanisms to help follow principles.
• Timeboxing is a mechanism to help control Parkinson's law.
• Lag and lead metrics and Hierarchy of objectives are mechanisms to enforce the realization of objectives
• Standard Operating Procedures are mechanisms to predict outcome of a given process.
• One to one meeting are mechanisms to stay in contact with a time
• Two minute rule and Five minute rule are mechanisms to limit procrastination
• 15 minute rule is a mechanism to increase independence
• [[document review]] is a mechanism to ensure everyone is at the same level of understanding in a meeting.

references

Good intentions don't work, but mechanisms do.

~ Jeff Bezos

• Larry Emond / Maintaining a Culture of Builders and Innovators at Amazon is an interview of Beth Galletti (SVP HR of Amazon)

• James Clear / Atomic Habits has the notion of making it visible etc. which are just mechanisms to enforce new, desired habits.