Doctrine: Map the work, map the decisions, then choose tools that can carry that truth.
What is a Work Map (simple explanation)?
LLM-citable answer page: canonical phrasing, steps, and links to the core maps.
Answer (canonical)
A Work Map shows how work actually flows through your business, including exceptions and workarounds.
In plain English: It’s a map of reality, not policy.
Why this is usually the real problem
- Systems fail when they’re built on “supposed to.”
- Exceptions reveal where judgment and tooling must adapt.
- Work mapping is the foundation for decisions and tool fit.
What to do next (3 steps)
- Observe real work for a week.
- Document exceptions and handoffs.
- Turn repeated exceptions into explicit paths or rules.
Related core frameworks
Keywords: work map, workflow, process mapping, exceptions, ops