Do you know how easy it is to preach various truths to others? And how hard it is to actually live according to them when no-one is watching? That is one part of the story. Another is expert judgement. To be wise enough to know, which habits are there for a reason and which could or should be changed. To be wise enough to distinguish, which rules are there to avoid bigger problems and which are there purely because “it was always like this”.

As a procurement specialist, I always say, that the most expensive words are “we have always done it that way”. I did not invent them and this is no news for any professional. And yes, that was the trigger for me yesterday. 

I came for a regular visit to my hairdresser’s. You know – root touch up, some trimming. She was asking me about colours and tones and I asked for my normal blonde. When she asked the magic “why?”, I said – “because I always have it this way”. The difference was, that this time I actually heard myself saying it. And, of course, at that moment my principles made the decision for me: CHANGE! Whatever happens, you cannot have it the old way. To cut the story short – from now I have purple hair. And no, no photos attached.

Thankfully, it is just hair and I’ll get over it. But take a moment to think how many samples like this you can find in your business:

• Implementing new purchasing system for the sake of simply implementing it (because your pride does not allow you to not implement something. Because everyone is implementing something – why would not you?).
• Buying new piece of equipment because “sales said so. And it have always been like that”. Or on the contrary – not buying it, because your principles suggest you to break the closed circle. 
• Extending contract only because “the supplier has been here for ages”. Or… Not extending the contract purely because of the same reason.

A lot of decisions are based on feelings, emotions, principles. And that is normal. We are humans. As humans, we also have brain. Therefore, thinking is (should be) human. Thinking before acting, that is. Unless you are ready to face the consequences – whatever they are. Purple hair, for instance!!!

Have a nice friday!