Why Wouldn’t You Do That?

Why do you do what you do? Why wouldn't you do it a more streamlined a.k.a. productive way? One of the fun moments when I'm working with a client one-on-one is when I ask, "Why do you do it that way?" and they answer, "Because I never thought of that option!"

Since I'm an outsider I am constantly viewing things through my lenses. Given that my point of view is trained in efficiency, some lean principles, simplicity, and effectiveness…. I'm always looking for ways to eliminate waste, create systems, and improve processes.

For example, Rich had all the files related to establishing his business right in his desk. The company has been up and running for 4+ years. Those documents are no longer accessed regularly so I asked him, "Rich, why do you keep these close you when you rarely use them anymore?" Rich said, "Well, they've always been there since I started the company and I just didn't think about moving them into farther reaches since we're in full swing." The files related to the incorporation of the business and ongoing legal documents are now in a credenza on the other side of his office. The result: Rich's desk now has room for files related to the things that he does daily and weekly.

So the question is: Why wouldn't you invite an outsider with fresh perspective to ask, "How about modifying how you do things?"

Comments

[List Mama]

Sometimes a new perspective is one thing, time and motivation to take the advice of the new perspective is quite another. People often just go with their original, outdated system because it is easy.

Jen
http://www.ListPlanIt.com