“Because That’s the Way We’ve Always Done It” Is Bunk
Posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008 by Frank RocheBureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has lost its status.
–Laurence J. Peter
Too much of HR is about holding the line. Not upsetting the apple cart. Saying, “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
Bunk. Pure bunk.
Our job in HR isn’t to defend the way things always were. Our job is to question why things are the way they are, then keep what works and dump what doesn’t. HR Bureaucrats say, “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” HR leaders say, “I don’t care if that’s how we’ve done it. Let’s do what we know is right and what works.” HR Bureaucrats spend their time whining about not having a place at the table. HR Leaders build their own table, and others want an invitation to sit at it.
Elliot Ross
Jul 10th, 2008
Too True!
And it is not just HR (OK – that is why I like your blog! it cosses disciplines)
People forget that a decision on a process was only valid at the time and in the context that the decision was made.
What was a “good” decision a year ago, may no longer be good – what was dismissed as a “bad” decision today – may be a “good” decision a year from now.
“The way we always do it around here” is a beast that must be slayed
Frank Roche
Jul 10th, 2008
Elliot, you’re so right…that thinking works everywhere. I get really bent when I hear people say, “That’s how we’ve always done it.” Let’s hear it for the iconoclasts of the world!
rick
Jul 11th, 2008
Frank, I absolutely agree.
However, “Because I said so” is acceptable as long as I am the one doing the saying.
Chad Bordeaux
Jul 13th, 2008
Bureaucrat and Leaders always struggle with one another when it comes to change. When the struggle is over and the dust is settled, the Leader is left standing.