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The complexity discussion continued! This one includes a story of Andy and Matt operationally learning about normal (but not common) work.

We continue our complexity discussion and get into some tangible examples.

We're taking a couple of weeks off and will be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on 1/14/2026

We're starting a new mini-series around how we define "what HOP is" and the 3 key elements that differentiate from other practices. First up, Complexity Science.

We explore a challenge that seems to impact all of the places we visit - defining a problem when a perfect solution does not exist.

We discuss how Bloom's Taxonomy highlights a need for change in how HOP learners apply the principles (and beyond).

We discuss how changing the way we view discipline as a way to drive accountability does not mean that we lower expectations of our teams or the people we work with.

We discuss what it's like to constantly push for change in an organization that is set in its ways. Also, there may be a poem released at some point?

We respond to a listener question about "How do I know that I know enough about HOP to start applying it at work". Andy's recommendations: (Academic works that explain foundational concepts) The Social Psychology of Organizing - Weick Understanding Complexity - Professor Scott E. Page How the Mind Works - Steven Pinker The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Practices - Jeff Latimer, Craig Dowden, Danielle Muise (2001) (Books specific to the HOP space) Managing the Unexpected - Karl E. Weick and Kathleen M. Sutcliffe Safety-II in Practice - Erik Hollnagel Joint Cognitive Systems - David D. Woods and Erik Hollnagel Justice Culture - Sidney Dekker The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error - Dekker Pre-Accident Investigation - Todd Conklin (Books where practitioners tell stories about using some HOP concepts) Beyond Blame - Dave Zwieback Bob's Guide to Operational Learning - Bob Edwards and Andrea Baker (Additional helpful works that touch on some gaps) Humble Inquiry - Edgar H. Schein and Peter A. Schein Raising Human Beings - Ross W. Greene Chaos Engineering - Casey Rosenthal & Nora Jones Surfing the Edge of Chaos - Richard T. Pascale, Mark Millemann, and Linda Goija

We share some ideas we have for future episodes, but ask for you to give us direction. Let us know what you'd like us to focus on.

Andy is often asked how HOP and Operational Learning can be used in parenthood. So with her oldest daughter's first day of school tomorrow, we decided to do some operational learning about how Penelope is feeling going into the big day.

Well, we decided to end this mini-series with a big one. Andy argues that all accidents are not preventable and what we should be doing about.

We continue our argument/counterargument series with point 3 - We cannot tolerate exceptions to cardinal rules.

We continue our "both sides of the debate" series - this time it's all about accountability.

Andy (and with a little help from from Chat GPT) begins her counterargument against herself from episode 59. There first point: "Root cause does (not) exist"