We Have Always Done It That Way

“We’ve tried it before and it didn’t work.” You have no doubt heard that conversation-ending, idea-busting statement before by association colleagues. You may have even muttered it yourself (but don’t admit it, please).

Of course there is great value in staff and volunteer leaders with a historical perspective of association activities. However, if you’re one of them, it’s important for you to realize that just as “we’ve always done it that way” is not a valid reason for continuing an approach, “we’ve tried it before and it didn’t work” is not a valid reason for abandoning an idea.

There may be situational or contextual reasons for past failures. Perhaps the timing was off. Perhaps the positioning was ineffective. Perhaps the target was inappropriate. Perhaps the implementation was weak.

The next time you are presented with an idea that you know has been attempted and failed in the past, don’t assume it will fail again. Describe the past attempt to the idea proposer and ask him or her what about the current circumstances is different leading him or her to feel the idea could succeed in the present situation. Give the individual time to investigate the idea, given this new (to them) information.

In the end, perhaps you will decide the idea really does stink or maybe you’ll discover it has great potential. The important point is that you don’t discount its consideration simply because it’s been done before.

Tags: Innovation, Staff Issues, We've Always Done It That Way // Add Comment »