“That’s how we’ve always done it”

I’ve been trained to ask “why”…and I enjoy asking why. In fact, I like being asked why myself. I’ve found that I typically learn something that I didn’t know once I start digging into finding the answer. However, the one answer that I’ve heard a lot…and I’m sure you have too, “that’s how we’ve always done it”. Guess what I ask next?? Why? That’s when you usually have them and make them dig into the reason as to why they actually have been doing it that way. Now, maybe there is a perfectly logical reason for why they’ve been doing it that way…but now they know the “why” and can explain it. On the flip side, once they realize the reason, they realize that it might have made perfect sense originally…but now might be a perfect time for a change.

If you ever find yourself in a situation and someone gives you this answer, chances are, they may be resistant to change…so your first goal has to be to make them realize a change may be required. Some will tell you “that’s how we’ve always done it” is 100% a bad answer…I’ve found it to be just 1/2 an answer…find out the “why” behind it and move forward from there…have a strategy! Try it out if you find yourself in this situation…have a great day!