Episode 2 — Steve Tendon: Constraints, Flow, and the Human Side of Organisational Risk

In this episode of Risk-First: Stars of Software, Rob Moffat speaks with Steve Tendon—creator of the Tameflow approach and a leading thinker in systems thinking, organisational performance, and flow-based management.

Steve’s work sits at the intersection of theory and real-world change, helping organisations improve economic, operational, organisational, and human performance by focusing on constraints, decision-making, and the social dynamics of collaboration. At its core, Tameflow is about understanding how people communicate, make trade-offs, and ultimately manage risk—whether explicitly or by intuition.

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Together, Rob and Steve explore:

• Why organisational success depends on decision-making and trade-offs, not just process
• How the Theory of Constraints applies to knowledge work and software systems
• The hidden risks in mergers, acquisitions, and organisational culture clashes
• Why certifications signal capability—but real expertise requires evidence and outcomes
• The importance of feedback loops, systems thinking, and human collaboration in avoiding failure
• What it means to “think more differently” in a rapidly changing, AI-shaped future

From last-minute product disasters caught minutes before release to breakthrough organisational turnarounds, this conversation reveals a powerful theme: performance improves when we focus on what truly constrains us—and have the courage to change how we think.

If risk is about navigating uncertainty and trade-offs, then mastering flow, constraints, and human decision-making may be the most important skill of all.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0884271951
A classic introduction to the Theory of Constraints, presented as a narrative about improving organisational performance. Steve highlights it as a book worth rereading many times because new insights emerge with each pass.

https://www.goldratt.com/resources/books
Further exploration of constraints thinking, flow, and systemic improvement across organisations and industries.

https://patternlanguage.com
Foundational ideas behind patterns, organisational design, and systems thinking, which strongly influence the Tameflow approach.

https://tameflow.com
Steve’s organisational performance and systems-thinking consultancy focused on improving economic, operational, organisational, and human flow.

https://tameflow.com/circle
A discussion community exploring systems thinking, constraints, organisational design, and knowledge-work performance.

https://tameflow.com/career-booster
Steve’s programme aimed at helping individuals improve professional effectiveness using constraints thinking, conflict resolution, and systemic decision-making.