“Oh my, she is so procedural, she will certainly throw the book at us and take us backwards”. Familiar?

In my humble years of practice, I have grown from resentment of statements such as the one above, to interrogation of the purpose of procedure. I then ask myself whether if at all, I should feel bad for following established procedures.

I have come to the conclusion that procedures are generally not designed to create inefficiency but rather to promote efficiency. Usually, it is the inefficiency of actors that causes them to use procedures as a scapegoat to mask their shortcomings. I have often heard people say, “People should just do the right thing”. I agree!

Following procedure is one thing and believing in its purpose is another. Usually, results follow purpose. We are motivated by purpose because of the resultant effect of success.

The business in adherence to procedure is the high chance of getting things right the first time. This means quicker returns!