Do we need rules to tell us how to solve problems and be innovative and creative
Well Yes and No. In everything we do there has to be a structure where we can follow.
Our Rules to kick start a creative culture both in a team and individuall. Yes in part we did adapt Gibbs from NCIS rules but the content comes from many other sources but they are not rigid. These rules are more a form of guidance, created to help create understanding of what’s expected rather than just a set of rigid rules.
As we have said previously rules and justice are not set. They have to be fluid especially if you are dealing with nature and want to be cognitively creative. This is why at Commonground ReWilding one of our most important learning outcomes is tied up with understanding and learning. These two are needed more than reaching net zero (which by the way can only truly be solved when we start to understand the issues in meaningful ways and learn what the real solutions are).
Just remember the phrase “the exception prove the rule“, sort of sums all of this up. Below you will find some rather bendy rules to help define individual and team attitudes to all sorts of things.
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Rule 1: Always break down a problem into its most basic parts without letting your assumptions get in the way
Meaning – Unprejudiced Data is the key source for problem solving.
Rule 2: Your Project, You’re Lead.
Meaning – Be accountable by delivering great results on projects you are responsible for. If you start creating something ultimately it’s your lead
Rule 3: You don’t waste advice.
Meaning – Follow up on all suggestions. This is true especially if its your lead. Don’t be arrogant and ignore advice.
Rule 4: Be Present in the ‘Gemba’, Always have an open-door policy.
Meaning – “Japanese term for “actual place,” often used for the shop floor or any place where value creating work actually occurs.
Rule 5: Understand when you make a mistake
Meaning – Take accountability through Actions, not words.
Rule 6: Always be specific when you lie.
Meaning – The Devil is in the Details.
Rule 7: Never take anything for granted.
Meaning – Never assume things are certain or accept situations, evidence, or people at face value without verifying the facts.
Rule 8: When the job is done, walk away.
Meaning – Execute and do not dwell on the rearview mirror.
Rule 9: Bend the Rules, don’t break them.
Meaning – Don’t do something just because you have always done it that way. Rules are there for a reason, understand why they are there and how much you can bend them. It’s challenging the rules you follow, Nothing in life is absolute.
Rule 10: Always work as a team.
Meaning – Teamwork makes the Dream work!
Rule 11: If someone thinks he has the upper hand, break it.
Meaning – Shift the paradigm with breakthroughs.
Rule 12 It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.
Meaning – Let the Consequences of your actions factor into your decisions.
Rule 13: Never mess with anyone’s cuppa tea, if you want to live.
Meaning – Have respect for everyone’s culture, learn to work with them.
Rule 14: Two ways to follow someone. Either follow people who can offer you something or, those that actually can offer something but you did not look deeply enough into them.
Meaning – Always be on the look out for those people who you can learn from.
Rule 15 When you need help, ask. Ring the Bell.
Meaning – Create a Team Culture that rewards questions and better understanding.
Rule 16: If it feels like you’re being played, you probably are.
Meaning – trust your gut instinct when you suspect someone is manipulating or using you.
Rule 17: There is no such thing as a coincidence.
Meaning – Drive to the Root Causes with Problem Solving & do not just accept what you cannot prove.
Rule 18: Never accept an apology from somebody who just sucker-punched you.
Meaning – Trust must be earned, not given.
Rule 19: Never leave a mess clean it up.
Meaning – Own your mistakes: Take full personal accountability when your actions or decisions go wrong.
Rule 20: Sometimes you’re wrong.
Meaning – Acknowledge when you are wrong and learn from your mistakes.
Rule 21: Always give people space when they get off an elevator.
Meaning – Respect people like you want to be respected.
Rule 22: and finally ‘Semper Gumby’ – Always be flexible
Meaning – Things in life are always fluid, have the courage to adapt your rules when they are provento be wrong or dispense with them if needed.