ANSWER

Signs that an organization is stuck in an outdated business paradigm can be seen in both operational patterns and cultural behaviors. These red flags indicate that the team may be optimizing within a broken framework.

Operational indicators:

• Repeated workarounds or manual data transfers between systems

• Layered approval steps that add time but not value

• Rising complexity without measurable improvement in results

Cultural indicators:

• Phrases like “we’ve always done it this way”

• Reluctance to experiment or pilot new approaches

• Persistent user complaints despite “fixes” or upgrades

When such symptoms persist, the analyst’s role is to name the paradigm—the outdated belief or structure at the core of the inefficiency.  Once identified, the team can explore alternative models aligned with today’s business goals and customer expectations.