Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Tag: policy

  • Listen In -> Playing Favorites #4: Favoring Certain Policies and Procedures

    “The purchase order is on the computer, why do we still need to distribute four hard copies?”

    “You have to get these two approvals before I can look at your request.”

    Some policies and procedures served a specific and necessary purpose when they were first implemented, but they make absolutely no sense now.

    The boss is hesitant to make any changes, because since those policies or procedures were put into place for a reason there will be some unforeseen disaster if they are no longer present.

    Maybe an efficient streamlining initiative would result in less control for a key decision-maker which they don’t want to give up.

    In this week’s show, Claudia and I look at the cost of playing favorites with certain policies and procedures.

    Could you be holding on to methods and practices that no longer serve their intended purpose?

    What might enforcing the status quo be costing you?

    Listen in.

    Just now joining the conversation? Catch up on the entire series here.

  • Question of the Week

    In policy disagreements, what is the difference between giving in and giving up?

    The Question of the Week is offered to increase awareness of one’s personal leadership practices and encourage experimentation with creative alternatives.

  • Why Do We Punish Ourselves?

    Why do we do it?

    Go back again and again.

    Our “gift” wasn’t appreciated the first time. Why do we so often insist on giving it repeatedly?

    If you are the type who likes to help by informing others of company rules, boundaries and other policy restrictions, then you are probably no stranger to backlash, isolation, and other forms of resistance.

    As we continue our discussion of this week’s podcast personality, “The Enforcer,” we need to think about the cost to ourselves of our noble advocacy on behalf of the firm.

    While it may benefit the company to experience the one less violation that you just prevented, what has it cost you in the way of trust, credibility, and future communication effectiveness?

    Generally, when it’s not your job to enforce, the information is seldom received well. You can criticize the reactions of those you confront until you’re blue in the face, but if you are chipping away at others’ willingness to listen when you speak, you may be undermining your own ability to be heard on issues more germane to your role and responsibilities.

    The key is to be aware of the impact or effect our confrontations are having. If a particular issue of policy enforcement is neither our job nor likely to be valued by the recipient, we might be the wiser to leave well enough alone.

    What do you think? How do you discern whether to get involved when company policy is being compromised?

    Haven’t yet met The Literalist, The Peacekeeper, or the Silent Achiever? Catch up on the entire podcast series, When Playing By the Rules Backfires.