"Because we have always done it that way"

One of the most overused, progress stopping, dangerous phrases that someone can say: "we have always done it that way."

If you have ever been involved in a company or process where that phrase is used, it is most likely because leadership has never analyzed why a task or process is accomplished the way it is and never considered alternatives. 

The phrase usually comes up when someone is questioning why a task or process is accomplished in the way it is, seeing from the outside that it can be done more efficiently.

What we have to do as leaders is break down why "we have always done it that way." If you and the team can speak to why "we always do it that way," there is a good possibility that the way it is being done is correct. I say this only because ALWAYS trying to change a task or process will not ALWAYS result in an improvement.

So, knowing WHY you and your team do something a certain way is critical to being efficient. Here are a few tips:

-Always be open to new ideas

-Always compare and contrast new ways of doing something to the current method to keep things as efficient as possible

-Always know WHY a task or process should be done using the current method and be able to speak to WHY it is better than other methods

The WHY is key. Know WHY beyond "because it has always been don't that way," and be on your way to creating a successful culture.

Follow me on Twitter: 

@jacobjrouse

Connect on LinkedIn:

wwwlinkedin.com/in/rousejacob