Awareness as one of the functions of consciousness
Awareness is another function of consciousness that helps bring a problem to attention, "highlight" the necessary objects that were previously not visible. In fact, this is a cognitive regulator that allows one to transition across the spectrum of speed-accuracy.
Such a cognitive regulator allows you to notice what was previously unseen, not realized. That is, to take the first, most challenging step in the path of mastery and/or problem-solving: recognizing the problem and somehow formulating it for the first time. For example, realizing that there are issues with modeling, or that you are remodeling a situation (modeling for too long, taking too few actions).
Realizing that there is a problem can be difficult. Especially if the problem is outdated and seemingly unsolvable at first glance. For example, Goldratt in his books constantly points out that transitioning to, for instance, small batch deliveries of goods is technically not difficult; but realizing that you can live without stocking non-moving items and shortages of fast-moving items, as well as how much the company is actually losing on this – that is challenging. In retail, most are used to living with overstock and shortages and cannot imagine living differently. The same effect is observed in personal problems: often people have an unresolved problem that they have already accepted and do not attempt to solve. In such situations, being aware that the problem can be solved and that others have already done it is sometimes the most difficult part of solving it.
Awareness helps to notice existing problems, including outdated ones. Furthermore, it helps prevent the emergence of a problem, that is, to intervene and correct the situation at the first signs of trouble. For example, in regions where typhoons often form, which can develop into destructive hurricanes, the weather is constantly monitored, and forecasts on the route and the degree of destructiveness of the hurricane are updated. In project management, progress in work completion (delivery of value to the customer) is tracked, and time estimates for completion are constantly updated. This allows potential problems to be identified and their impact on the speed of project implementation to be assessed. Preventing problems through awareness requires a fairly high level of competence in fundamental coherence and usually does not come immediately. Initially, current problems that are swept under the rug need to be resolved.
In addition, awareness is important for engineering creative insights, allowing for solving complex non-trivial tasks, and underlies tools like the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ).
Awareness, as a function of consciousness, acts as a cognitive switch between the modes of "automation" and "reasoning." It monitors the attention directed at activities in the "automation" mode. As long as everything is in order, awareness remains silent, but if a problem arises that cannot be solved in this mode, it immediately sends a signal to the brain: there is a problem, pay attention, switch to the "reasoning" mode and contemplate! For example, you felt a "jolt" when you encountered the phrase: "In our project, we have a product architect, engineer, project manager, product manager, and also Pete." Awareness triggers a "bell" or "siren" in the head, evoking a vague sense of "something's not right here, slow down and figure it out."
The switch between modes is not binary. It is more like moving along the spectra of speed-accuracy described in Chapter 11; therefore, one could say: right now we are more acting in "automation" mode, and now more in a reasoning mode (where fast or slow thinking predominates in activity).
By default, the attention management mechanism, that is, consciousness, usually operates not very precisely, but quickly.
Awareness brings vague sensations, intuition into focus, allowing attention to be directed towards the area from which the signal originated. At the same time, awareness itself cannot provide any information about whether the "jolt" or other sensation is relevant, or how to deal with it. It only helps to eliminate the blind spot, the unknown unknown (when we do not know what we do not know). Moreover, after the problem has been identified and solved, conscious conceptual attention is no longer needed, awareness allows a return to the energy-efficient "automation" mode S1. Therefore, awareness serves as a cognitive regulator, a switch between modes.