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
It’s all relative…
It’s all relative… Over the course of my 22 years of consulting, I’ve consulted with …
Eliminate to optimize
Eliminate to optimize So much of data management is habit (both good and bad) which is …
For data governance, ask “Why?”
For data governance, ask “Why?” Recently I’ve had the opportunity to work on several data …
More on Meetings
More on Meetings I’ve written before about the importance of making sure your meetings are …
Action produces momentum
Action produces momentum Another great quote from James Clear: “Motivation often comes after starting, not …
My #1 Best Practice…
My #1 Best Practice… A client recently asked me: “If you had to pick a single …
Encourage engagement with prizes!
Encourage engagement with prizes! One of the biggest challenges any organization faces when implementing a new …
Inertia
Inertia One definition of inertia is “to remain unchanged.” My sense is that many association processes, projects, or …
When’s the “least bad” time?
When’s the “least bad” time? When working with clients on a new project, especially a …
A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS
A poor launch can set the stage for YEARS It is not uncommon for me …