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mental model

Circle of Competence

Circle of Competence in Configuration Management

The first The Future of CM newsletter of 2023 discusses the Circle of Competence, highlighting its importance in decision-making and change assessment in Configuration Management. It emphasizes the need for knowledgeable individuals during impact analysis, while addressing the Dunning-Kruger Effect, which leads to overestimation of one’s expertise. The CM Baseline aids in identifying relevant competencies and managing personnel changes effectively.

Lollapalooza Effect in the Antilope Canyon

Opportunity cost and the Lollapalooza effect

This article discusses two mental models—opportunity cost and the Lollapalooza effect—in the context of Configuration Management. It emphasizes the importance of impact assessments when making changes, highlighting how opportunity costs can significantly influence decision-making. Additionally, it addresses the potential consequences of organizational culture on both negative and positive outcomes related to change implementation.

Compounding liquids

How to benefit from the compounding effect of changes

This article introduces a series on mental models for preventing ethical fading in Configuration Management. It focuses on the compounding effect of changes, highlighting how decisions can have cumulative positive or negative impacts over time. Understanding dependencies and risks is essential for facilitating beneficial outcomes and avoiding detrimental compounding effects.

Ethical fading

Ethical fading eats Configuration Management Principles for breakfast

The discussion surrounding the V(ee) Model and Agile methodologies highlights the importance of ethical behavior in development. Ethical fading undermines good practices, leading to significant scandals like GM’s Ignition Switch and Boeing’s 737 Max. Addressing toxic leadership and fostering a culture of open communication is crucial for preventing future ethical failures.