A universal system for how work gets done
Operator 6:
Cue
Cue represents a detectable signal that indicates a meaningful change in state has occurred. It marks the moment when a condition, threshold, or pattern becomes true, triggering awareness, transition, or progression to the next step. A Cue does not cause transformation itself; it reveals that transformation has reached a significant point. Without clearly defining a Cue, systems may fail to recognize critical turning points, leading to missed timing, incorrect responses, or breakdowns in flow.
Plain-English Definition
Cue represents the occurrence of a specific event or condition that triggers progression. If movement happens because something occurs—not because time passed—the step is a Cue.
What Cue Does
Cue makes events explicit. It captures the moment when a condition is satisfied and the route is allowed to continue.
What Cue Is Not
Cue is not the passage of time (Wait). It is not readiness without occurrence (Standby). It is not
interpretation or choice (Decision).
Core Characteristics
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Triggered by an event or condition
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No judgment or choice is made
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Progression is automatic once the cue occurs
Examples Across Contexts
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Directed (designed process): A signal indicates completion and allows the next step
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Observed (descriptive): Work resumes when a required input arrives
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Natural phenomena: Temperature reaches a threshold; pressure exceeds a limit
How Cue Works with Other Operators
Cue often follows Wait or Standby and precedes Action or Process. If evaluation or choice is involved, the next step must be Decision instead.
Common Mistakes
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Treating a choice as a cue
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Using Cue to hide delays
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Confusing cues with observations
Key Questions to Identify Cue
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Does something happen that allows progression?
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Is the trigger automatic once conditions are met?
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Would any observer agree the event occurred?
Things to Remember
If progression happens because something occurs, it is a Cue.
Canonical Definition
Cue is the explicit representation of an event that triggers progression