Thats how we always do it....

               I really like the title to this blog post. It is a line we have all heard far too often in the workplace. What does that line even mean? To me it means were afraid to try new ideas out. To improve and evolve our way of thinking. This seems to me a response you most often find coming from that long time employee. The one you know is there for life without much ambition or aspirations.

     The thing though with that is these same people while lacking any ambition are usually in positions where they actually hold their employers back from innovation. They stand in the way of evolution and growth that fresh minds often try to introduce. 

Now these employees are certainly reliable and often solid pillars in your day to day life. They also act like anchors holding you back. Think of what you’re looking for in your staff. You want that employee who is prepared to demonstrate passion and drive. To challenge themselves daily to bring new skills to the table. Yet there is that anchor again who stands fast on old ideas.

     I think there is certainly a place for this mindset, in a leadership role is not that place. This has long term negative effects on a team as a whole. People tend to hold back ideas for fear of them being tossed away with often a long winded speech that is founded on fear of change.

Creativity is what drives innovation and it is up to a true leader to recognize and nourish this trait while still keeping the ship between the shores. 

Always challenge your mind!