Theory of Constraints Handbook - James Cox Iii [552]
This butterfly effect5 perfectly illustrates how a single action can be magnified into an unstoppable chain of events and stresses the importance of understanding the full consequences of our action before we act. To cement their learning, each worked on their own crime cases through facilitated questioning, for a sobering analysis as to the implications of their actions on society. While it is impossible to predict all possible effects from each action, the aim is to create a heightened awareness of the implications to others rather than just self.
FIGURE 27-10 Consequences of drug trafficking on others.
Validating the Predicted Effect Apart from not realizing the full consequences of actions, many inmates fail to validate their predicted effect. Instead of bothering to check the logic of the predicted effect, many just blindly follow the belief system and behavior pattern of others. For example, IF you only consume drugs once, THEN you will not get addicted, or IF someone stares at you, THEN you must stare back. For others, even with knowledge and desire to the contrary, the default need to follow established behavioral norms takes over.
A common issue among inmates is whether to disclose their prison record to prospective employers. Based on their limited experience and hearsay, most employers will not hire them if they know about their prison record. As a result, they feel they have no choice except to lie in order to get the job.
IF I lie about my record, THEN I will get the job, IF I get the job, THEN I will work hard to prove myself,
IF I work hard to prove myself, THEN the employer will retain me if he finds out about my past.
IF I do not lie about my record, THEN I will not get the job.
There are several glaring mistakes in the logic. Is it true that the employer will hire you just because you do not disclose your past? Is the employer really biased against inmates? Do you meet all other qualifications? Will the employer retain you once they find out about your past? In many cases, especially with service industries such as hotels, it is against company policy to hire an ex-offender. Separately, there are many other consequences of lying, which have not been addressed. An example of redefined logic after validating the predicted effect is shown in Fig. 27-11.
FIGURE 27-11 Predicted effects of lying to an employer.
Like necessity logic, it is important to teach the concept before teaching the full tool. Using one’s desired action as a cause, participants are made to practice single step branches using “If . . . then . . . because . . .” until they perfect sufficiency logic and are ready to draw the entire branch.
Delivery
The next challenge after simplifying the TOC TP into core components was how to deliver the content in a manner that they could easily process and understand.
Teaching Techniques
A variety of teaching techniques was instrumental to retain learning among inmates. Traditional classroom teaching was impossible given the large variation in language and literacy levels among the group and made it difficult for trainers to engage all inmates at the same level and pace. Looking at the blank faces at the commencement of each course, it was often difficult to ascertain whether it was non-buy-in or just underdeveloped brainpower. To engage all levels, use of high-energy games, group work, individual reflection, and video presentations, each specifically customized for their unique lifestyle, helped to generate a high level of interest and maintain motivation and attentiveness.
The pictorial nature of the tools also provided a different learning dimension for inmates with different learning styles.