Emergence of Rigidity

New employees, without the benefit of past experiences, can quickly become rules based.

As an organization grows, newer employees rely on past practices to learn how to do their jobs.  In many instances, these practices become rigid rules in their minds.  When asked why, a commonly heard response is “we have always done it that way, don’t ask.”  The practice or the rule may still be applicable but in many cases, is not.  Rigidity can easily and incorrectly replace flexibility during high growth periods.