Episode 72 - Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

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. PageHow the Mind Works - Steven PinkerThe 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. SutcliffeSafety-II in Practice - Erik HollnagelJoint Cognitive Systems - David D. Woods and Erik HollnagelJustice Culture - Sidney DekkerThe Field Guide to Understanding Human Error - DekkerPre-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. ScheinRaising Human Beings - Ross W. GreeneChaos Engineering - Casey Rosenthal & Nora JonesSurfing 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.