Drift to Low Performance

A systems archetype where performance standards gradually decline because the reference point adjusts to current performance rather than remaining fixed at the original target. The mechanism: poor results are 'explained' by external factors, the goal is lowered slightly to match reality, which reduces effort, leading to further decline. The insidious quality: each individual adjustment is small and reasonable, but the cumulative drift is significant.

When to use it

When dealing with complex, interconnected problems; when interventions keep failing; when small changes produce disproportionate effects; when predicting system behavior.

How it can help

Enables seeing the structural patterns beneath surface-level events. Helps leaders understand why interventions often fail and where to find genuine leverage for change.