A universal system for how work gets done
Operator 1:
Action
Action represents a directed effort that intentionally changes the state of something. It is the primary mechanism by which progress is made in a process, system, or situation. An Action applies force, decision, or execution to produce a tangible outcome, whether through human behavior, automated systems, or natural forces. Without clearly defining what constitutes an Action, process mapping becomes vague, accountability weakens, and cause-and-effect relationships become harder to trace and optimize.
Plain-English Definition
Action represents a directed intervention that actively changes the state of something. If effort or force is deliberately applied and that application causes change, the step is an Action.
What Action Does
Action introduces change through direct intervention. It is used whenever a state changes because something intentionally acted upon it.
What Action Is Not
Action is not sensing or awareness (Observe). It is not passive transformation governed by laws or rules (Process). It is not the passage of time or waiting for an event (Wait or Cue).
Core Characteristics
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A directed effort or force is applied
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The change would not occur without that intervention
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The intervention can be clearly identified
Examples Across Contexts
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Directed (designed process): A worker tightens a fastener; a supervisor approves a release
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Observed (descriptive): An operator manually adjusts a valve during observation of a live process
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Natural phenomena: Wind applies force to a structure; external heat is applied to a material
How Action Works with Other Operators
Action often follows Observe or Decision and may initiate a Process or Wait. When Action and Observe occur together, they must be represented as separate steps.
Common Mistakes
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Treating interpretation or evaluation as Action
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Combining multiple interventions into a single step
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Mislabeling passive change as Action
Key Questions to Identify Action
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Was a directed intervention applied here?
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Did the state change because of that intervention?
Would the change occur without it?
Things to Remember
If change occurs because something actively intervened, it is an Action.
Canonical Definition
Action is directed intervention that actively changes state.