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Pushing Boundaries
Written by: Paul BridleArticle Overview: Have you ever noticed how children are constantly pushing boundaries and checking how far they can push things? It is a natural thing to do as the child endeavors to discover what works and why.
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Free Download - An Accountant or a Leader - but rarely both By Paul Bridle |
Pushing Boundaries
As we get older, we may disguise it a bit better, but the
truth is, people will still test the boundaries. Maybe we see if we can
take a shortcut in how we do things or we challenge what someone says. It
may take various forms, but the truth is it is human nature to want to push the
boundaries at some level.
The same applies in business. There are rules, procedures,
processes and standards we apply to ensure that the business stays on course
and continues to improve. However, human nature being what it is, people
will start to take short cuts or ease off on the procedures, processes or
requirements. People will also challenge the rules to see if they apply
in various circumstances, or if they still apply under different leadership, etc.
The important point for leaders to understand is that; it is
human nature for people to act like this and not to get annoyed and upset by
this behaviour.
It is also the leaders role to remind people what the rules
are and what they stand for. This is not in a confrontational manner, but
rather to remind people what is expected and how they need to behave.
People will generally respond to this way if done in an inclusive manner and
not in a dictatorial way. People want to know how they are doing and
where they stand.
However, there is another aspect of this that we need to
remember in our role as leaders. Having our rules, procedures and
processes challenged is a good thing. When they are challenged, it makes
us think about them and gives us the opportunity to ask ourselves if these rules
or procedures still apply.
Many rules, processes and procedures were very valid when
they were designed but circumstances have overtaken them and now they are not
the most effective way of doing things. So as leaders we need to welcome
the challenges that give us the opportunity to re-consider the value of what we
are doing and either expose the rule, process or procedure as no longer the
best way, or strengthen it, confirming the right way.
There is a time to defend and then a time to be open to
challenges. At a time when business is under pressure and the market is
so competitive, leaders need to be open to such challenges, and involving
people in identifying what works today, which will contribute to the future of
the business, and not hold it back, as ‘we have always done it this way!’.
Musings from the Marathon (and How it Can Help Your Business)
EXTEND YOUR BOUNDARIES
Setting Boundaries
Being comfortable and uncomfortable in our own skin - a thank you to Steve Jobs
Top 5 reasons to mix personal with business
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Related Forum Posts
Re: Balancing Your Man & Business
- One issue is the same women face with little kids, if they run home based businesses.
If you work out of your home, your man, or your kids, think you don't really work, and its okay to interrupt because it's "only them."
But it actually is a major distraction to try to be doing some creative work and having your family coming at you all the time.
Boundaries for home workers need to be set, and no guilting them out of it!
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