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Control System

Engineer discipline to systems so that users fall into good habits.

Positive Feedback Loops​

Control the flow of decisions by taking more effective action.

closed loop value control process

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Checklist​

Build a moat of trusted human-connections to engineer products that enable people to make progress.

Context​

What type of decision are you making?

  • What triggered the need for a decision?
  • Why do you need to make a decision now?
  • What type of problem are you solving?
  • Strategic
  • One-way or Reversible
  • Explore or Exploit
  • Applicable Laws
  • Applicable Algorithms

Strategic​

What is the subject matter for this decision?

  • Personnel
  • Operational
  • Organisational
  • Policy

Outcomes​

What outcomes could be expected from bad and good and what are the consequences of not making a decision?

  • Placing competitive bets
  • Routine choices and judgments
  • Improving KPIs

Confidence​

consideration set:

  1. Motivation
  2. Desired Outcomes
  3. Negative Outcomes
  4. Method Standardisation
  5. Required Inputs
  6. Required Skills
  7. Required Tools
  8. Required Capital
  9. Side Effects
  10. Knock-on Effects
  11. Navigation System
  12. Emergency Exit
  13. What Next?

Why​

Why are we doing this?

  • Identify the main reason behind the project.
  • Detail the current situation that is prompting the need for the project.
  • Keep the reason clear and concise. Too many reasons can dilute focus.

Positive Outcomes​

What needs to Happen?

  1. Clearly state what the project aims to achieve.
  2. Make the goal specific and measurable.
  3. Avoid vague or easily adjustable goals.
  4. Identify quantifiable outcomes that indicate success.

Negative Outcomes​

What should not happen?

  1. Define clear boundaries for the project.
  2. List potential negative outcomes or conditions that should be avoided.
  3. Ensure the project does not negatively impact other ongoing work or personal well-being.
  4. Identify quantifiable outcomes that indicate failure.
  5. Develop decision trees to follow to correct negative outcomes.

Inputs​

What resources and materials.

Method​

How will we make this happen?

  • Outlay the basic strategy for the project.
  • Detail general actions needed to achieve the goal.
  • Avoid over-complicating this stage with excessive details or assumptions.

How will we stay on track?

  • Identify key milestones and dates.
  • Identify KPIs that indicate failure.
  • Create triggers and workflows to change trajectory.

What Next?​

What are the next steps?

  • Identify an immediate, achievable action that will build momentum.
  • Make the first action outcome-based.
  • Don't get stuck in endless planning. Action is key.