When the System No Longer Rewards Care

In criminology, the broken windows theory suggests that visible signs of disorder, such as a smashed window left unrepaired, invite further disorder. The same pattern applies in organisations.

Growth is supposed to be our highest calling. According to Jordan B. Peterson, it is the central purpose of our existence. But in today's organisations, growth has become a dangerous game, not because growth is wrong, but because the way we pursue it is broken.

"We do not need more heroes. We need systems that work even when no one is watching."

Platform teams often celebrate Time to Market Acceleration (TTMA) as a clear indicator of success. "We cut delivery times in half" sounds compelling. And I admit, I have fallen into this trap myself. But this measurement hides a dangerous assumption.