The Unexpected Value of ‘Silly Rules’ in Business, According to Suzanne Lucas

In a recent LinkedIn post, Suzanne Lucas explores the often-overlooked benefits of seemingly rigid or “silly” rules within organizations and societies. Using a popular improv prompt about a broken Swiss law, Lucas highlights how these regulations, while sometimes humorous, contribute to the overall quality of life and operational efficiency.

Lucas begins by describing her improv exercise, where participants often invent amusing Swiss laws. She notes that while these rules might seem eccentric, they often serve a practical purpose. Examples include strict rules about recycling on Sundays and specific times for garbage collection.

“We make fun of these ‘silly rules’ but they are also the reason people love living here.”

The Practical Impact of Seemingly Arbitrary Regulations

Lucas argues that the humor associated with these rules belies their significant positive impact. She points out that adherence to garbage disposal times, for instance, leads to cleaner streets and quieter neighborhoods, enhancing the living experience for residents. This principle, she suggests, extends beyond societal norms into the corporate world.

Applying Societal Rules to Business Practices

According to Lucas, businesses that are attractive places to work often have certain policies or practices that might appear overly strict to outsiders. These rules, much like the Swiss garbage regulations, contribute to a desirable outcome, such as a well-organized workplace or a strong company culture.

“Remove the overly stiff rules and you run the risk of losing the very thing that made your company a great place to work.”

Lucas cautions against the hasty removal of such policies. Before eliminating a rule or practice, she advises leaders to consider the intended outcome and ask themselves if they are prepared to lose the positive results that the rule facilitates.

The Risk of Removing Established Policies

In her post, Suzanne Lucas emphasizes that while it’s easy to mock rigid rules, their removal can have unintended negative consequences. The orderliness and pleasantness that these rules foster are often the very reasons people are drawn to a particular place or company.

“I can laugh about the overly rigid rules of when you can put your garbage out, but I certainly don’t want to live in a place where people put their garbage out all the time.”

Lucas uses the example of garbage collection again to illustrate her point. While the timing rules might be inconvenient or seem excessive, they prevent the unsightly and unsanitary problem of garbage being left out at all times. She believes a similar logic applies to corporate policies.

A Balanced Approach to Policy Making

While not advocating for an overly authoritarian management style, Lucas suggests a thoughtful approach to policy evaluation. The core message is to understand the ‘why’ behind a rule before discarding it.

“But it is me arguing that before you get rid of a policy or practice, ask yourself what that policy or practice leads to and say, ‘Are we ready to lose this result?'”

Ultimately, Suzanne Lucas’s insights on LinkedIn suggest that what may seem like minor or even inconvenient rules can be foundational to a company’s success and a desirable work environment. The key lies in recognizing the value these practices bring, even if they aren’t immediately apparent or universally popular.