Why “That’s how we’ve always done it” shuts down your newest idea
It sounds like experience but ends the conversation, and your newest person learns to stay quiet. Ask whether you would do it this way if you were starting today.
THE QUICK ANSWER
Say this instead: “If we were starting today, would we do it this way?” “That’s how we’ve always done it” sounds like experience, but it ends the conversation, and your newest person learns to stay quiet. The better question keeps what works and retires what doesn’t, without blame. Try it on one recurring task this week.
GO DEEPER
Why “always done it” ends the conversation
When a new hire asks why a process works the way it does, “that’s how we’ve always done it” feels like a fair answer. You have been around longer, and the process has survived this long.
But it ends the conversation. The newest person learns that questions are not welcome, and they stop asking. They are often the best placed to see what is odd, because they have not yet got used to it. When they go quiet, you lose that view.
A better question is “If we were starting today, would we do it this way?” It keeps what works, because the answer is often yes. It retires what does not, without blaming whoever set it up. And it makes questions a normal part of how the team works.
You do not need a big review. Pick one recurring task this week, such as a report, a meeting or an approval step, and ask the question. You may be surprised how often the honest answer is no.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Ask “If we were starting today, would we do it this way?” and try it on one recurring task this week.
TEST YOURSELF
A new hire questions an odd step in a long-running process, and you say “that’s how we’ve always done it.” What is the better reply?
PRACTISE IT
Try this lesson in the arcade
Quick retro games that start with this lesson’s situations. One thumb, one to three minutes, free.
