Principle 01
Start with reality.
A plan is only useful when it reflects the current state. Begin with what is happening, not what should be happening.
Explanation
Reality takes precedence over ego. Establish the current state, gather relevant evidence, and investigate anomalies before choosing an action.
Example
If a system appears healthy while people report failure, treat the disagreement as evidence to investigate—not as permission to dismiss either signal.
Practical implication
Write down the goal, current state, known constraints, and missing information before proposing a solution.