Set the scenario
Choose the function, time period, normal operating conditions, and expected outcomes to test.
CHAPTER 6 - PROTOCOL 5
Absence Test
TIME45-60 minutes
OWNERPrincipal and representative leadership team
ARTIFACTAbsence-test findings + one continuity redesign
- The test names what continues, weakens, stops, or becomes distorted.
- Findings distinguish role clarity, skill, authority, information, and routine gaps.
- The team includes the experience of people carrying the work.
- One continuity weakness receives a concrete system response.
Trace what happens
Map decisions, communication, routines, escalation, information access, and informal workarounds.
Diagnose the dependency
Identify whether gaps stem from unclear authority, missing knowledge, undeveloped skill, fragile relationships, or poor system design.
Strengthen continuity
Redesign one routine, authority structure, information path, or development opportunity and retest later.
WORKING ORGANIZER
Run the protocol.
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REFLECTION PROMPTS
- What waits for me that should not?
- Which work continues only through invisible labor?
- Where would independent action currently feel unsafe or unauthorized?
EQUITY GUARDRAILS
- The goal is healthy continuity, not making a leader permanently available or easily disposable.
- Do not normalize chronic vacancies or inadequate staffing.
- Protect confidential, legal, safety, and personnel decisions that require designated authority.