The Genotype Audit
A diagnostic tool for distinguishing organizational DNA from phenotype.
A diagnostic tool for distinguishing organizational DNA from phenotype. Uses four key questions to test whether each element of your operating model is true genotype (transfers across contexts) or phenotype (environment-specific expression).
When to Use The Genotype Audit
Use before any expansion, replication, or M&A activity. Essential for identifying what you're actually copying versus what only worked in your original environment.
How to Apply
Cross-Context Test
Ask whether each element works across different markets, products, or teams.
Questions to Ask
- Does this work across different markets/products/teams?
- If it only works in one context, it's phenotype, not DNA
Outputs
- Elements that pass cross-context test
Principle vs. Tactic Test
Determine whether the element is an underlying principle or a specific tactic.
Questions to Ask
- Does this reflect a principle rather than a specific tactic?
- Principles transfer; tactics don't
Outputs
- Principles distinguished from tactics
Identity Test
Assess whether changing this element would fundamentally change organizational identity.
Questions to Ask
- If this element changed, would we fundamentally be a different organization?
- DNA is identity-defining
Outputs
- Identity-defining elements identified
Transmissibility Test
Check whether the element can be explicitly codified and taught.
Questions to Ask
- Can we codify this explicitly, or is it implicit/cultural?
- DNA must be transmissible - if you can't teach it, you can't replicate it
Outputs
- Transmissible elements identified
- Elements requiring codification