Playing In The Sandbox

Playing In The Sandbox

NOTE: This post is from one of our frequent contributors to this blog, "Birdseye59604.

Statistical Process Control (SPC) of activates in the sandbox could be to examine responses with "yes" or "no" data, with only two possible outcomes; either rules are followed, and assessed as responsible, or rules are not followed and assessed as irresponsible.

On the other hand, SPC could also be applied to count data and the numbers of defects, or data within the sandbox which are defects because of human behaviors. This does not mean in itself that the behavior is defective, or that it is a defective group, but just that this behavior did not conform to the group playing in the sandbox. It could be as simple as someone accepting accountability and taking on a leadership and management role within the sandbox, which was not prescribed as an expected responsibility.

A floatplane is conforming to the rules of the sandbox, while an amphibian moved outside the box    

When playing in the sand box, behaviors are monitored and defined by an electronic devise. The task often becomes to assess for prescribed activities and then label human activity as human behavior. Everyone who plays nice and stays inside the sandbox becomes labeled as having an acceptable human behavior in the eyes of the sandbox-authority. Assessments grade everyone within this sandbox at levels above or below the bar required for other activities. Human behavior is ignored and accountability is discredited when it is assumed that the only method to achieve desired results is by the ability to follow prescriptive behaviors, or to play nice in the sandbox.

Accountability and the accountability principle is to make decisions based on facts and requirements and not by "who is watching" or what is the right thing to say or do to be accepted in the sandbox. Accountability is to comply with rules and regulations, understanding that these are the bases, or lowest level of the bar to conform to regulatory requirements.

The conformance principle and conforming to the prescriptive standards in a sandbox group is not to apply the principle of accountability, but the principle of conformance. An old saying about the conformance principle is that: "When the cat is away, the mice will play".

Outside the sandbox beauty of results and effectiveness is discovered.

The key to success in any organization assessing for effectiveness is to move the accountability principle outside the sandbox with assigned non-prescriptive responsibilities. These non-prescriptive responsibilities could be as simple as to ensure a safe flight to destination and that everyone has a pleasant flight.

Assessing for accountability is essential when assigning responsibilities.

BirdsEye59604