Why does that rule exist?

Sometimes the only answer we have is, “Because that’s just how people do it.”

And it’s a terrible answer.

Teams the world over accept this answer without ever challenging it. What if yours did?

• Does that need to be done? (examples: Complex hierarchical org chart; One more meeting; Paperwork)
• Does it need to be done in that way? (examples: Top-down leadership; Live and in-person; PDF format)
• What if we changed it to be more…? (examples: Customer-centric; Fun; Simple)

Most rules were defined by people no smarter than you, and many standards are simply coincidental patterns we chose to accept.

How might things change for your team if you remember these facts next time someone asks, “Why does that rule exist?”