“The most dangerous phrase in the English language is: We've always done it this way. " - Grace Hopper
I used to be discouraged by this phrase, certain that there was no room for discussion or compromise to do things differently. But after enough time, I started to see that the phrase was actually a story. It was a story that was comfortable, a container that was already defined and a space of safety. Yes, it would sometimes be a story laced with defensiveness, pemissism or even antagonism, but this story, what I called the "Old Story" was one of knowing and stasis. And that, I understood.
We all crave a sense of safety. Staying in the Old Story is what we know, even if it might not be the best option.
When we're faced with new challenges or opportunities, that's when the "New Story" peaks its head. But we can't just leave the Old Story behind, especially if its the only story we've ever experienced. A New Story works best when it acknowledges our current reality, but expands it. There are parts of these challenges and opportunities that are unknown, even undefined. And we have to leave the safety of stasis. We have to change.
And that's hard.
Now, when I hear the phrase "we've always done it this way" I pause. This story has a purpose. I look deeper into that purpose, understanding how the Old Story came to be. The more I unravel the Old Story, the more I understand it. And with new understanding, I can see how we can bridge the Old Story with the New.
Change is hard. But by taking a moment to identify the Old Story and the New Story, we can make it a little easier.
Perhaps the phrase "We've always done it this way" won't be the most dangerous phrase in the English language. Perhaps it will be the catalyst for something exceptional.