A very important point to understand is that f() and g() are not smooth. The example of the burger cook being more concerned with time is true until the shape of the curve f() changes. Food poisoning happens when the time is too short. Killing a couple of children as one burger chain did about 5 – 10 years ago really hurts the bottom line. In this case the time g() was shortened until getting it right f() took a sharp turn and became more important. The decision makers didn’t notice they’d crossed this inflection point.

An example where the current culture over-considers f()is NASA. The current space program is so paralyzed with fear of not doing “the right stuff” that they’re grounded. Time g() has become so stretched out that the program has lost its relevance; we’ve outsourced our human space transportation to Russia and find they can do it cheaper.

Well, for the short term anyway. Businesses need to remember what their function is. What is IT they’re trying to get right? NASA is an example of the function f() being made up of sub-functions. NASA’s prime function is to promote and advance the nation’s interests in aeronautics and astronautics. A sub function is “don’t kill the crew.” The primary function is being held hostage over a concern for a sub-function. Each sub-function needs to be appropriately balanced, but remain sub-servant, to the primary function.