I already wrote about our non-traditional organizational structure and the increasing reliance on communities the organize our teams. I recently had an interesting conversation about the use of rules within communities and within the overall organization.

Breaking the rules

The conversation went something like this.

• Dan – “We already use self-organized teams and increasingly rely on communities to get our goals done. Why do we need to add formal rules? Isn’t this against our approach of trusting people?”
• Me – “Implementing rules doesn’t mean we don’t trust people. The rules are simply there to help everyone understand which behaviors are acceptable so our community can work efficiently.”
• Dan – “This goes against self-organized teams. If the teams want to work without rules, they should be allowed to.”
• Me – “Yes, but only up to a certain point. Without rules you will quickly get chaos and anarchy. I believe rules should disappear over time but they are initially required to help regulate the actions of the group.”
• Dan – “I believe we shouldn’t have any rules. If I want to do something, I don’t want any stupid rules to prevent me from doing it…”
• Me [light bulb goes on in my head] – I wonder if people oppose rules because they may (want to) break them…

This question quickly lead me to the debate around the proposed legislation to reduce the blood-alcohol level from 80 to 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. A similar public debate was launched when Quebec decided to experiment with photo radar a few months ago. In both cases, it seemed to me that the arguments often used to oppose such rules are that they go against people’s freedom. Although the rules make sense, you will find many people who will oppose the rules pretending they interfere with their freedom of choice and action.

It appears to me that the people who oppose rules may eventually break them and as such, anticipate being caught. Keep in mind that rules are very rarely opposed by those who will comply with them.

You might be interested in these related posts:

1. What Rules Do Communities Follow?
2. A few simple rules to make meeting more efficient
3. I didn't have time to do this

• participants need to respect the time box allocated to them for speaking;
• there can only be one active discussion at any time;
• electronic gadgets must be turned off should not be visible during the meeting;
• the facilitator and the participants must be prepared before the meeting;
• participants must arrive on time and cannot leave the meeting before the end;
• guests can not enter the meeting or leave the meeting between breaks;
• all participants must raise their hand before speaking;
• discussions and debates are encouraged;
• the language must always be respectful and there should never be personal attack during discussions;
• once a decision is made, it needs to be supported by all participants.

Do you use simple rules for your meetings? Share them here…

You might be interested in these related posts:

1. Do you wonder why your boss doesn't show up at your meeting?
2. Monthly Strategic Meeting
3. Called for a second meeting