“We can’t possibly do it that way.” Is a phrase I have heard far too often, and it’s an infuriating phrase but nowhere near as bad as the response that followed when I asked the question why? The response “Because we’ve never tried and this is the way we have always done it.” So let me get this straight, you are point blank refusing to look at an idea that could potentially increase customer satisfaction, streamline an over complicated process and reduce unnecessary work all because it’s never been tried? Now it is true that sometimes if something isn’t broke then don’t try and fix it, but even if something does work but it could be even better then surely it makes sense to investigate how you can improve it?
I currently work for a large UK based vehicle maintenance chain as an implant at one of the worlds biggest financial organisations as a service advisor. I am the first to admit that this job is far from demanding and for somebody who is a problem solver by heart I am misplaced, but after making an excellent first impression I had been assured promotion prospects, progression, opportunities to push myself. Simple things really, but things that somebody like me get a kick out of, of course as is so often the case this has proven to be lip service. Tell the people what they want to hear and you can keep hold of them, safe in the knowledge that they will work hard always pushing for that next step that in reality is not going to come, but if you dangle that carrot in front of the person they will always want to reach forward to get that bite, it’s human nature. Sooner or later though people wise up and realise the carrot is out of reach and no matter how hard you try it always will be. Not because they are unable to do what’s required to get it, they are already doing that and more, but because it is deliberately being waved just out of reach.
From the offset I have offered ideas to improve service, new ways to work, new approaches to the way we do our work and each time the response has been “We’ve always done it this way so that’s how it stays.” At first it was disconcerting, then it became annoying now though it serves as proof that I really am in the wrong place for me. Which leaves me with two choices, stay with the status quo, safe and secure knowing that I easily achieve what is expected or, stand up, say “This isn’t enough” and find a way to make my voice heard. Unfortunately for my current employer I have chosen the latter and began searching for a new challenge. I’m pushing my comfort zone and going for something that I have been almost obsessional about since September last year, a challenge I missed by the smallest of margins but rather than put me off has made me want it more and more. If the challenge pays off a whole new chapter in my life will start, if it doesn’t it will just make me even more determined to try again in six months. All will be revealed come 8pm next Thursday but win or lose it’ll be one hell of a ride.
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