Story 10: Water
The story: He asked for a bottle of water. She said yes. Fifteen minutes later she came back with sparkling. He complained. She pointed out that he never said still. Both were right. Water felt like a complete instruction, right up until it was not.
What it means for organisations: The more routine a request sounds, the fewer questions it gets. Teams act on incomplete instructions every day, not because anyone was rushing but because the instruction felt finished. Complex decisions get scrutiny. Ordinary ones get a yes, and most of the work is ordinary.
Where next?
Read the comic as text
The Alignment Gap, Story 10
by Stavros Stavru, Ph.D. (weallagreed.com)
Scene 1: The office
A bright office with a bookshelf, potted plants, a hanging lamp, and a window overlooking the city. Ally sits at her desk working on her laptop. Axel strolls past, cheerful and ready to help.
Ally: Bring me a bottle of water.
Axel: Yes, sure!
Banner between scenes: “What could go wrong?”
Scene 2: Fifteen minutes later
Back at Ally's desk. She turns in her chair, holding up the bottle Axel brought, looking disappointed. Axel stands in front of her with his hands open, puzzled.
Ally: Hey, this is sparkling water!
Axel: Hm, but you didn't say it should be still water?!?
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