Direction Gap

The direction gap is the potential lost in choosing a direction.

What is the direction gap?

It arises when the strongest outcome position reasonably achievable within the chosen direction is weaker than what could reasonably have been achieved within the established intent. This may reflect weak evidence, untested assumptions, inadequate consideration of alternatives, poorly understood relationships between the chosen approach, target state, and intended outcomes, or insufficiently examined trade-offs. Addressing the direction gap requires stronger reasoning about how the established intent should be pursued. Strong execution cannot restore possibilities already ruled out by the chosen direction unless that direction is reconsidered.

What it is not

Not an estimating error or a missed forecast, which concern whether targets were hit. The direction gap concerns whether the chosen direction preserved the potential available within the established intent.

Where it sits

The direction gap is one of the three components of the change gap. It lies between intent potential and direction potential. Strong execution cannot restore possibilities already ruled out by the chosen direction unless that direction is reconsidered.

Related concepts

• Change Gap: The direction gap is one of the three components of the change gap.
• Intent Potential: The direction gap lies between intent potential and direction potential.
• Direction Potential: The direction gap lies between intent potential and direction potential.
• Direction Quality: Direction quality reduces the expected potential loss in choosing direction.

Referenced by

• The Change Gap Model
• Change Gap
• Intent Potential
• Direction Potential
• Direction Quality
• Weak Direction