Breaking the rules for better business

A WHILE ago, I attended a networking event, where someone asked me what my business was about. My reply to her was, "In a nutshell, we teach people to disobey." Initially, she was shocked, but after thinking it over, she understood that I was not advocating anarchy, but a sensible approach to following rules and guidelines.

When it comes to running a business, management lays down rules, to ensure order and to standardise necessary processes. However, following rules blindly, without any thought, is often worse than no rules at all.

It is important to consider why the rule came about. What problem is it trying to avoid? Will the people affected by it understand the rule? How will they respond to it? Here are some suggestions for deciding when you should follow a rule or disobey it.