On Rule Breaking in the Workplace

The old saying goes, "Rules are made for breaking." Yes, for the rules of invention and creativity, but people these days believe it applies to rules in games and rules in the workplace.

Professional athletes continue to break the rules by using performance enhancing drugs or using illegal maneuvers on the field. In defense of the NFL, players are still getting use the new rules of the game to keep players safe, but sometimes hits are so unnecessary players should know better.

An employer has a rule that no cell phones should be used and everyone continues to use their cell phones when no one is looking because 'I'm above the rules.'

The above the 'rules mentality' is plaguing the workplace. In this age with the cost of living going up and wages low and stagnant with those getting paid high wages losing their jobs to outsourcing while the CEO's and executives earn a million dollar bonus for destroying homes and the American dream. It's not that hard to side with employees, that have no job security, minimum wage salary, that breaking the rules is no big deal.

Except when they work for a company that isn't going anywhere and they make a big fuss about wanting more money, more benefits and more respect. The owners and managers can look to their 'rule breaking' for reasons why they don't deserve raises, benefits or respect. Then the employee falls back into their pattern of rule breaking and laziness to start the cycle all over again.

Integrity is said to be, "doing the right thing, when no one is looking." Leadership is said to be, "actions that influence others to act." Leadership and integrity are not just for management and supervisors, they are for everyone. When everyone shows tendencies towards integrity and leadership,  everyone wins. Plus it's something they can never take away from you and something you can take with you everywhere you go.

I know rules are arbitrary and sometimes unfair and if they other you that much then I would suggest looking for somewhere else to work. But not matter where you go there will always and forever be rules. Dress codes, break times, smoke breaks, no cell phones, don't be late, don't leave early,

Mangers have a responsibility too. To be respectful of those they are managing and be empathetic to their feelings. Being in charge of others is not open season for the manager to scream and yell, be cruel and emotionless or bring down the hammer of discipline. It is their job to let people go if they aren't working to the standards of the job. But you should first confront the infraction with a smile and have a calm conversation resolving the problem. If it continues, then you should repeat and never scream or yell even if you need to let them go and even if they get angry.

We are all human, we are all here for a short period time and we are all doing our best to live out the hopes and dreams set out in front of us. So we should work together to create environments that we can strive and be happy.