Theory of Constraints Handbook - James Cox Iii [470]
After choosing the injection, check the new reality in which your injection will replace one or both actions (D and/or D′) and verify that the developed injection supports the achievement of both B and C.
Check: IF [injection] THEN I can achieve [B] and [C] without this conflict blocking me because . . .
If B and C are not achieved with the support of the injection, then it alone is not a good enough injection. This primary injection might need some supporting injections to achieve both B and C. In some cases, rephrase the injection or select another one and check again.
TABLE 24-3 The Arrow, Corresponding Assumptions, and Injections for the Personal Dilemma
Please understand that if the solution were so simple, then you probably wouldn’t be using the Cloud to identify the solution anyway.
If the injection replaces just one of the entities D or D′, the check shall reveal that the injection fully replaces the removed action or decision. Once the actions to achieve B are not in conflict with the actions to achieve C, the Cloud disappears—it “evaporates!”
Scenario 1: If we break the B-D arrow it means that the injection replaces D, so the check has to be explicit: IF [injection] THEN B can be achieved and at the same time C will not be jeopardized. The reality after having the injection in place will be:
D′ + Injection (breaking B-D)
Scenario 2: If we break the C-D′ arrow, then the explicit check is: IF [injection] THEN C can be achieved and at the same time B will not be jeopardized. The reality will be:
D + Injection (breaking C-D′).
Scenario 3: If we break the D-D′ arrow, then it means that both D and D′ are replaced by the injection and therefore we must check:
IF [injection] THEN B can be achieved.
IF [injection] THEN C can be achieved.
The three scenarios for breaking the Cloud create a new tactic that we can denote as D* (D star). The future after implementing the injection creates the diamond shape that replaces the Cloud, as shown in Fig. 24-3.
Example—The D* injection as chosen by the project manager is:
I put the project needs in front of my own feelings; listen to what Bill has to offer me as a project manager; and negotiate resources (Mary) with him.
FIGURE 24-3 The diamond shape figure.
Check: If I do D*, then I will have secured resources (Mary) because . . . approaching Bill the way he likes to operate is a good base for him meeting my need for resources for the project. (Bill is highly regarded in his professional area and is known to be tough but fair.)
If I do D*, then I have increased my chances to have Bill’s respect for my position as the chosen project manager because . . . showing respect to Bill increases the chances of him respecting me (based on Mary’s recommendation to meet him as she probably knows Bill better than I do).
Summary of Step 6
That concludes the section of constructing a win-win solution for an inner dilemma using the Cloud method. A win-win solution the TOC way means that the tactics are not in conflict and that the solution supports both B and C needs. It means that we do not need to compromise on the achievement of the necessary conditions (B and C) and therefore we increase the chance of reaching the desired objective (A).
The learning experience covers:
More choices to solve problems always exist than we think.
A decision is the choice between conflicting options, often stemming from different mindsets and personal views.
A problem is a blockage to progress caused by not resolving the conflicting tactics when these arise. Management cannot afford to procrastinate on making decisions as that leads to lose-lose situations.
We should not give up on important needs—there must exist a non compromising solution. (As per the second basic concept of TOC—the existence of a win-win solution. The three basic TOC concepts are covered in the U-Shape section of this chapter.)
A problem is not totally