Principles, Not Practices

In similar context of our last discussion, "Principles, Not Practices", is another incredible opportunity for individuals and organization to lead.

There's an old story of a woman who always cooked just like her mother. One day her mom was visiting her daughters house and watched as she made the family recipe roast. The mom asked the daughter why she cut the roast in half and she replied, "because that's how you always have done it mom". The mom replied, "Yes, but that's because my pot was too small".

There are many practices that we hold to in corporate life, and personal life for that matter, that we lack the foundational knowledge for why we do something.

Another example might be choir robes. Years ago choir robes were a great idea - it might have brought unity or consistency in dress for a group. But today many would argue that choir robes aren't necessary and quite dated. Truth is, at the foundation there are principles there that are relevant and useful... but people are more tied to the practice than the principle.

How does this apply for us?

Think for a moment over all the things you might do in a typical work day (reports, meetings, tasks, etc.) and consider if they are functionally fulfilling a principle the best way possible or have they become a practice with little value.

Principles will most always manifest themselves as practices... and that's okay. Our responsibility is to lead people to the Principle as the foundation and to be willing to constantly make changes to the practices.

Challenge your organization and the practices of your role to determine the core principles. Work to align yourself more and more with your core principles. Everyone will appreciate the effort in the long run and you most certainly will appreciate your engagement and involvement in work better.

Challenge: Survey a full day of common work practice and see what you learn