The Four Paths Principle
The Four Paths Principle is a duality of dualities.
The Four Paths Principle is a kind of compass, with two pairs (the first duality) of opposites (the second duality): North-South, East-West.
Any system, while in motion (in life), can change its strategy of movement/behavior at any given moment. And the Four Paths Principle will always help you understand the four strategic directions available, as well as the outcome (as always with 100% certainty) of choosing one of these four directions.
As with the Duality Principle, the categorical nature of determining a system’s future results is based precisely on the fact that the Four Paths Principle is based on the Duality Principle, which is simply applied twice to the same system under consideration.
Interpretation
A system in motion (as is natural for a living system) at any moment always has four strategic options for continuing that motion. The Four Paths Principle describes these options, the differences between them, and the differences between the outcomes of each of choices.
Catchphrases related to this principle
«Instead of taking a couple of watches, take a compass. It doesn’t matter how fast you’re moving if you’re going the wrong direction.»
«The only place for a ship without a compass is the bottom of the sea.»
«Until a choice is made, everything in the world is possible.»
What does this shed light on?
On 4 key strategic options when making a management decision.
Examples
East / South / West / North
Not_important-Not_urgent / Not_important-Urgent / Important-Not_urgent / Important-Urgent
Stabilization – Business_for_Money / Stabilization – Money_for_Business / Development – Business_for_Money / Development – Money_for_Business
Morning / Afternoon / Evening / Night
Spring / Summer / Fall / Winter
How to apply in business
In the chain «Goal – Goal Achievement Strategy – Project Plan – Project as a whole – Project Implementation» it is an indispensable tool for the most effective understanding of the Goal Achievement Strategy.
The Principle of United Beginning
All systems start from one point (the main one), and this «one» already includes all future components of the system
The Principle of Duality
Any system, evolving, has a choice of two global directions (development/degradation), towards one of its sources, which, in turn, are homogeneous opposites
The Trinity Principle
The Real System is 3D, at least three-dimensional, and simultaneously exists in three worlds / three dimensions / three times, etc. {Influence}, {Environment of Influence}, {The Meaning of Influence}
The Principle of a Complete System
Only by considering the System simultaneously at 5 levels (and more) can we talk about systemic management
