We've always done it that way
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about approving memberships, and how some associations make it far too complicated. (You can read that here.) It's a good example of "we've always done it that way."
Anyone who has been around for more than a few days has probably encountered this line. "We've always done it that way" is equivalent to saying "I don't know, that's how I was told to do it." (Which is also an answer I hear too often.)
The best way to respond to that answer is to ask "But why? Why do we do it that way?" If the why can't be answered, it might be time to trash the process itself.
So take a look at any process within your organization that doesn't make immediate sense, and ask "Why? Why are we doing it this way?" The answer might scare you (and you might be able to eliminate some time-wasting processes!).
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
“The first time it lies to me is the last time I’ll use it.”
“The first time it lies to me is the last time I’ll use it.” Over […]
Improvement is never linear
Improvement is never linear One of the many lessons one learns over a lifetime is […]
Don’t forget to take a “before” picture!
Don’t forget to take a “before” picture! Whenever I start on a big home clean […]
Are you being penny wise and pound foolish?
Are you being penny wise and pound foolish? Two quick customer service stories to illustrate […]
AMS Products are getting better – and what that means for you
AMS Products are getting better – and what that means for you I’ve been working […]
Using AI beyond content generation
Using AI beyond content generation Recent surveys by ASAE and others suggest nearly 90% of associations […]
If you’re training, PLEASE do this…
If you’re training, PLEASE do this… If you’re doing any kind of software training, or […]
Don’t confuse motion with improvement
Don’t confuse motion with improvement I wrote recently how action can produce information. But an […]
Perfection is expensive (in fact, it’s not possible!)
Perfection is expensive (in fact, it’s not possible!) “Perfection is expensive. The last 5 percent […]
AI is a journey, not a destination
AI is a journey, not a destination Lately I’ve noticed a lot of associations talking […]