We started this conversation with Steve Tendon talking about the theory of constraints and doing a deep dive into how Steve has taken the theory of constraints and applied it to knowledge work. It's fascinating. It's interesting. We didn't end up getting to the agility narrative until 25 minutes in. Feel free to skip around this interview.
Steve has applied the theory of constraints to a service based business. The big challenge when searching for the core constraint in the system is the high variance in knowledge work. i.e. The wandering constraints symptom
He explains that he instruments for work execution signals studying how work moves across the organization. Logging when work starts and finishes provides the core data to manage operational flow.
Steve introduces Herbie as the constraint that limits the performance of a system. How can we find Herbie? Finding the constraint in each team i.e. the constraints in the work process. And the constraint that limits performance of the entire system - The constraint in the workflow. And finally the constraint in the work execution
And much more….
Steve talks about the value of agility and who is his protagonist in his agility narrative. Steve's theme for the Agility Narrative? 3 Foundational Patterns - Inspired leadership, Unity of Purpose and Community of Trust. And he identifies the more important question is to connect intent with "what I should not do today?"
More about Steve and his work can be found on https://tameflow.com/