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
Maintenance isn’t sexy
Maintenance isn’t sexy I remember reading once long ago that one of the reasons our […]
“Will I still have a job when this is done?”
“Will I still have a job when this is done? While working with a client […]
Evolution, not revolution
Evolution, not revolution I don’t recall where I first heard it many decades ago, but […]
The power of the users’ group
The power of the users’ group Recently in an online users group forum for an […]
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about […]
Who is your data evangelist?
Who is your data evangelist? I was recently talking with a client of mine about […]
Ratio of Data to Errors
Ratio of Data to Errors One of the elements of a good data governance plan […]
Back to basics
Back to basics Over the past couple of years I’ve noticed that some AMS vendors […]
Your people matter
Your people matter I’ve written many times about how people, process, and technology have to […]
We remember moments…
We remember moments… “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese Another […]