Jonah (TOC Terminology)

In TOC (Theory of Constraints) terminology, "Jonah" refers to a knowledgeable but often unrecognized individual who possesses critical insights or expertise needed to solve a particular problem. Jonahs are valuable team members whose input can identify bottlenecks or constraints limiting a system's performance. Unlike leaders or managers, Jonahs might not be in formal authority but are essential for diagnosing issues and recommending effective solutions. Recognizing and leveraging the insights of Jonahs helps organizations improve processes by addressing root causes rather than merely symptoms.