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Happywork TV Episode 18: “That’s The Way It’s Always Been Done” is a Clown Answer!

In Episode 18 of Happywork TV, I present the next commitment in my work code of conduct called “The Happywork Agreement.”

This one is made by employees to their employers. It goes like this: “I will never answer a question with ‘Because that’s the way it’s always been done.’ That is a lazy, clown answer.”

This one takes me back to my auditing days. I spent over 15 years as a CPA, and started out in the auditing department of a public accounting firm. As such, I was sent to our clients on annual audits, and auditors have lots of questions. It’s our job. It’s not just about verifying the numbers, but understanding how the business works. The auditor wants to add value to a client’s business processes. For those of you who don’t know, being this kind of auditor is NOT like being an IRS auditor (with the fangs and the garnishments and the jail time), even though our clients sometimes viewed us that way.

So I’d roll into a client and ask lots of questions. I thoroughly disliked asking a question like, “Can you explain the reasoning behind XYZ procedure” or whatever, and getting an answer, “Because that’s the way it’s always been done.” Sorry, my stale friend, you’re going to have to try harder!

Do you know what that answer means? Those employees have never questioned WHY they do what they do, have probably never tried to improve things around the office, OR (and this is a huge OR) management has set the tone and you’re not to rock the boat. (sneak preview – my book has both such problems).

“Because that’s the way it’s always been done” is not the proper answer to ANY QUESTION ever asked. But, it’s almost certainly an explanation of why things are so sucky around the office. And every time someone cops this attitude, it sucks a little life out of everyone who heard it.

Here’s an idea – if a coworker (or outside consultant) asks you why something is done a certain way, and you really don’t have a good answer, you can say, “You know, to my fault, I’ve honestly never thought about it.” Then go get a good answer.

There’s nothing more unattractive or stinkier than workplace laziness. Don’t be that guy!

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Watch Episode 17 here!

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