10 Criteria of Dojo

Dec 14, 2025 The Dojer

Cult of Endless Activity Dojo values constant motion, where the appearance of activity becomes the primary value, regardless of real outcomes.
Absolutization of the Process The work process is elevated to an absolute; maintaining it becomes more important than completion or achieving a concrete goal.
Illusion of Collective Synergy All participants are involved in creating the illusion of team progress, even when their actions are disconnected or unrelated.
Absence of Criticism Any attempt to question processes or their necessity is perceived as a threat to team harmony.
Ritualization of Meetings Meetings turn into regular, mandatory rituals, held regardless of actual necessity.
Permanent Complication Simple tasks are intentionally overcomplicated to demonstrate importance and create the impression of serious work.
Dojo as Ideology Dojo becomes a mandatory part of corporate culture, rejecting alternative approaches and ideas.
Presentation over Action Emphasis is placed on reports and presentations that replace real actions or decisions.
Endless Alignment Tasks require multiple layers of approval and revision, postponing completion indefinitely.
Dissolution of the Real Goal The original objective of a task is lost, and all focus shifts to maintaining the process for the sake of the process itself.

10 Criteria of Dojo Document

Dec 16, 2025 The Dojer

A Dojo Document is not meant to be read. It is meant to be created and referenced.

Existence over Essence The document exists to prove that work was done, not to convey information.
The Placeholder Principle Critical sections are marked “TBD”, “Coming Soon”, or “To Be Aligned” to imply future intent without present commitment.
Circular Referencing Key details are deferred to another document, which in turn refers back to the original.
Obfuscation through Volume The document is long enough that no one will read it carefully enough to verify correctness.
Vague Ownership The author is listed as a team alias, a generic role, or someone who has already left the organization.
Timeless Relevance The document contains no dates, versions, or context that would make it obsolete — or actionable.
Decorative Structure Headings, diagrams, and tables exist primarily to create the impression of rigor, not clarity.
Non-Executable Guidance Recommendations are abstract, high-level, and impossible to translate directly into action.
Audit-Safe Visibility The document is easy to link, reference, and cite, but difficult to challenge or question.
Silent Acceptance The document is considered “approved” by default, as no one remembers formally approving it — or rejecting it.