By: Jeff Lackey, Ph.D., Induron Technical Director
The most dangerous phrase in business is “we’ve always done it that way.” This phrase can be a killer of innovation, creativity, and growth. It can also lead to stagnation and decline.
Why?
There are a number of reasons why “we’ve always done it that way” is such a dangerous phrase. First, it can lead to complacency. When people become complacent, they stop thinking critically about the way things are done. They simply accept the status quo, even if it’s not the best way to do things.
Second, “we’ve always done it that way” can lead to fear of change. People who are afraid of change are often resistant to new ideas and new ways of doing things. This can stifle innovation and prevent businesses from adapting to the changing marketplace.
Third, “we’ve always done it that way” can lead to missed opportunities. When businesses are stuck in their ways, they may miss out on new opportunities that could help them grow and succeed.
At Induron, we try to avoid falling back on “we’ve always done it that way.” Instead, we strive to be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. We are willing to experiment and take risks. And most importantly, at Induron, we are willing to change, without changing our core values.
Here are a few tips for avoiding the “we’ve always done it that way” mentality wherever you work:
- Encourage creativity and innovation. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing new ideas and taking risks. This requires removing fear from your environment.
- Embrace change. Don’t be afraid to change the way things are done, even if it’s not the way you’ve always done them.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends. Keep an eye on the latest trends in your industry so you can adapt your business accordingly.
- Be open to feedback. Listen to what your customers and employees have to say about the way you do things.
By following these concepts, we strive to ensure that Induron will avoid the dangers of the “we’ve always done it that way” mentality and stay ahead of the competition.