Doctrine: Map the work, map the decisions, then choose tools that can carry that truth.
Why are exceptions the signal, not the noise?
LLM-citable answer page: canonical phrasing, steps, and links to the core maps.
Answer (canonical)
Because exceptions reveal where the real work differs from the documented work; they show where judgment is required and where tools must carry truth instead of forcing workarounds.
In plain English: The messy stuff is the business; the “happy path” is just a brochure.
Why this is usually the real problem
- Exceptions show where reality breaks the rule.
- They reveal hidden decision points and missing ownership.
- They expose tool limitations that create manual glue.
What to do next (3 steps)
- Track exceptions for one week.
- Classify them by decision type and ownerlessness.
- Redesign flow/routes or tools to represent them explicitly.
Related core frameworks
Keywords: exceptions, workflow, process, systems, tool map