Rules and Regulations

A Note to Minions:

Just as getting lost in a new town is the best way to find your way around, more often, you have to break the rules in order to learn them.  Once learned, believing in a rule is the best way to follow it.  Rules that conspire disbelief or concern must be brought to attention, though not too soon.  While many traffic laws hinder enjoyment or prohibit easy u-turns, there are other streets to take that get you where you’re going.

Office rules are similar - there are old phrases such as, “there’s more than one way to skin a cat” that demonstrate this conundrum.  

However, sometimes you need a stop sign put in at a busy intersection.  

Revolt! Organize! Make yourself heard!

Choose your battles with precision, without inflammatory attitudes or words,  and you’ll get what you need.

A Note to Supervisors:

What are you protecting?  A tried and true practice?  The well-being of staff?  Your ego?

Enforcing policies that contribute to growth, overall well-being, and productivity is essential.  

Enforcing policies that are outdated or overbearing, whether due to, “well we’ve always done it this way,” or “I don’t want to have to train everyone on new technology” is a step away from the prize in every respect.

A good employee would rather wait a week for a right answer than stand there in your office listening to rapid-fire excuses.

Asses, compromise, set firm lines, and carry on.