The year is 1956. Parliament has debated that there is a moral decay among young people. One of the concerns is the ‘dance floor land’, which is seen as causing problems for future citizens. This had to be addressed, so the Parliament decided to introduce the Dance Act. From now on, a publican will need a license to allow people to dance if they feel like it.
The law was considered ridiculous from the start and this view has grown over time. In fact, authorities charged with prosecuting illegal dancing have found it difficult to take it seriously.
However, the government has now decided to repeal this law after the age of 67.
You can make fun of the crazy laws that exist all over the world, such as the dance law. Or how about:
- That you cannot tie a giraffe to a lamp post (California).
- That you cannot die without having arranged a burial site (France).
- Having to use the toilet if someone needs to go and do their business (Scotland).
- That you have to smile and look happy, except at funerals (Italy).
As a business developer, you come across a variety of crazy rules, guidelines and policies when reviewing how an organization works today. It is your job as a business developer to question what you find. However, it is not always popular.
You need to ask the so-called 5-year questions, which I teach:
- Why do you do that?
- What do you mean?
- Do you have to do that?
- Why, why, why…?
My experience is that when I ask the questions to employees working in different processes, it is often a bit annoying and/or embarrassing when the answers are given. If I ask similar questions to managers who are not really “on board” with the improvement work, the atmosphere can easily get a little bad.
I think it’s because you question the status quo, what has “always” been the case and what you are used to. When you ask the questions and look for reasons to solve them, so that things can work better in the future, you will also disrupt the familiar, safe and recognizable.
“They may not work very well, but at least we feel safe in the misery” people seem to think.
However, it is only by questioning the current way of working, its purpose and rules, that we can bring the hidden obstacles to the surface and then do something about them.
Sometimes things come up that some people don’t want to see. This means not going back, but moving forward to be more efficient and productive. Which means you will be able to give your customers, whatever you call them, a better experience. It also helps to boost employee happiness and pride. And last but not least, make your financial resources last longer.
This fall we will start the next round of Certified Improvement Leader and Certified Business Designer. You will learn more about the Shaper of Business Excellence methodology and how to ask probing questions about your business. All to develop it. Does it sound interesting? Check out our website for the Certified Improvement Manager and Certified Business Designer courses.
