Six Ways to Sunday—or Six Ways to Undermine a Great Operation

Hard-earned lessons from the field on how well-intentioned teams can lose their way—and how to realign before it’s too late.

The examples shared in this article are drawn from past experiences across various points in my career. They are not intended to criticize any individual or organization but to illustrate common challenges and operational lessons that may be useful to others working in similar industries.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “six ways to Sunday”—meaning thoroughly, or in every possible way. It’s usually used to describe diligence or intensity: “We checked it six ways to Sunday.” (Martin, 2023)

But over the years, I’ve seen something different. I’ve watched organizations—filled with smart, well-meaning people—work incredibly hard and still miss the mark. Not because of apathy or lack of effort, but because the structures, roles, and systems weren’t aligned to support the outcomes they were chasing.

Success in any operation is rarely about try…