All organizations struggle with “the way things are done”. All industries struggle with the way things are done. This is true of businesses, associations, governments, churches, non-profits, etc. Dealing with “the way things are done” is one of the most difficult tasks to tackle.

Part of my job is to convince our team, partners, and customers that “the way things are done” are not always the best way to do things. It’s often difficult to get people to see the value in going against “the way things are done”, not because the evidence is not available, but because the filter of “the way things are done” is too strong. And so, in our documents and presentation, we have to communicate in a way that helps our customers (especially) to see the value in doing things differently.

There are always… always… benefits to questioning the way things are done, EVEN if it is decided to continuing doing things the exact same way.

Here are a few of those benefits:

• It helps you understand the “why” (purpose) of what you are doing.
• It helps you distinguish between the important/necessary and the unimportant/unnecessary.
• It prepares you for change in the future.

Change for the sake of change is no better than stagnation. But, failing to recognize the benefits of change because of “the way things are done” can be even more disastrous.

However, change is inevitable. If we do not embrace change, then change will be forced on us. Ask Kodak. As Toys-R-Us. We either change the way we live and do business, or we will be left behind. (And, in this digital age, change will come more often and at a faster pace.)

What steps do you take to help you distinguish between what should change and what should not change?