The unspoken standard.
It appears in the absence of an explicit goal and it regulates performance.
For example if performing well, sabotage will strike and pull down the individual/team.
Conversely if the unspoken standard is in jeopardy of being reached the team/individual finds another gear to get back on track to achieve the unspoken standard.
An example that springs to mind is the Mayo men’s GAA team.
How many times have they had the Sam Maguire trophy within grasping distance only to somehow fail?
It appears that the team believes the fabled curse that was placed upon them 60 odd years ago and continues to fulfill the prophecy.
Thomas Duggan 