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
“Is this normal?”
“Is this normal?” ne of the greatest parts about my job is that I get […]
Give your staff more freedom, not less
Give your staff more freedom, not less I often tell my clients, when it comes […]
My advice? Stop doing that
My advice? Stop doing that! There is a classic TV sketch featuring Bob Newhart as […]
Is a college degree really required?
Is a college degree really required? I saw a job listing last week for an […]
Small actions become big wins
Small actions become big wins I’ve written before about how data accretes, the idea that […]
Try not to OFFEND your members…
Try not to OFFEND your members… I recently received an email from an association where I’ve […]
How will you use that data?
How will you use that data? One of the beauties of technology today is how easy […]
Pennywise and pound foolish
Pennywise and pound foolish One definition of the phrase “pennywise and pound foolish” is to […]
How you respond matters
How you respond matters Very recently I wrote that I measure customer service by how […]
Your one non-renewable resource
Your one non-renewable resource For any project, the three primary resources are time, money, and […]