Experienced professionals often notice certain patterns when a system becomes unstable.
Examples might include:
• leaders contradicting each other
• priorities shifting constantly
• unclear authority lines
Example from my career
In one organization I noticed three different leaders giving three different instructions about the same initiative.
The team was trying to satisfy all three simultaneously.
That was a clear signal that the problem wasn’t employee performance — it was structural alignment.
Discussion
What signals tell you a system is becoming unstable?
Relevant SHIELD Pillars
L – Listen Strategically
E – Echo and Document
D – Disengage and Redirect