When someone says that you or your organization shouldn’t do something because no one else is doing it, seriously consider:
Shouldn’t we be doing it BECAUSE others aren’t doing it?
Isn’t that often the best reason to do something?
Haven’t the most successful people on the planet succeeded by doing their own thing?
Going against the grain?
Blazing a new trail?
Yet again and again, “I shouldn’t do it” or “We shouldn’t do it” because “No one else is doing it” is the driving factor behind so many decisions being made today. Small-minded, frightened, and deeply unoriginal leaders choose to follow the paths of those around them instead of daring to be different.
I see it all the time in my work with businesses and education.
Businesses stick to the playbook. Remain in their lane. Do what has always been done. Mirror their competitors.
In education, leaders choose the path of least resistance. Reject the notion of risk. Do what’s most convenient for the system rather than the student. Betray their beliefs and principles to avoid rocking the boat.
It makes me crazy. In both business and education, I protest and plead for leaders to do what is right, regardless of how those decisions may cause you to stray from the pack and
But the decision to regress to the mean, seek conformity, and shelter in the safety of the herd is so often a foolish, cowardly, and fruitless way to live.
So often in life, the best decision is the one no one else is making.
The best strategy is the one no one else is using.
The best way to live is unlike everyone else.
We should do things because others aren’t doing them.
We should do things because others are too afraid, lazy, or weak to blaze a new trail.
We should do things because others lack the creativity, vision, and wherewithal to do it themselves.
We should do things because others are too focused on the potential for disapproval, scorn, and criticism.
We need to eat that nonsense for breakfast.
When someone tells you that you can’t do something because no one else is doing it, consider that your clarion call. Think of it as your opportunity to distinguish yourself, make a name for yourself, make a difference in this world, and possibly pull ahead of the pack.
Before you agree, think long and hard about taking that road less traveled or, better yet, never traveled before.
That is often the path to greatness.
