Planned pattern
The Exception Becomes the Process
A bypass created for one awkward case becomes the route everyone quietly uses.
How it starts
A normal process cannot handle one urgent or unusual case. Someone creates a practical bypass.
How it drifts
The bypass is faster, friendlier or more predictable than the formal route. People learn to use it first.
What to watch
Watch for exceptions that have templates, regular owners or informal service levels.
Questions worth asking
- Why is the exception route more useful?
- Who approves repeated exceptions?
- Should the main process change?
Comment carefully
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