Tyranny Of Precedence

As HR professionals, we are often reminded to think twice before acting, for that might set precedence. In todays times, when agility and speed are valued, how does one act with urgency without the worry of setting precedence that weighs us down?

- Prashant Bhatnagar

Three monkeys are taken inside a cage and a bunch of bananas are placed overhead the third monkey. As third monkey reaches for the bunch and takes one, the other two are splashed with water. Unbeknown, the third monkey continues to enjoy his treat and reaches for another banana when the other two are sprayed again. By the time the third monkey has eaten a few of the bananas, the other two have been splashed aplenty and not eaten any of the bananas. At this point, a scientist steps in and replaces the third monkey with a new monkey. This monkey notices the bananas too and as he stretches out his arm, he is attacked by the other two monkeys. The new monkey doesn’t quite understand why, but quickly stops going after the bananas. Some time passes, and the scientist comes back and takes one of the drenched monkeys and replaces him. This new monkey again goes for the bananas and the other two attack him. Then the scientist replaces the third of the original monkeys, with a new one.

This new monkey is immediately attacked and has no idea why.

Sounds familiar? As HR professionals, we are often reminded to think twice before acting, for that might set precedence. And once established, it will have to be executed repeatedly like the bots that are about to take over anyway.

Don’t waive notice period as that raises expectations with others.

We cannot promote this person out of cycle for others will use that as precedence.

We cannot withdraw benefits and therefore, best not to offer them in the first place.

If we accommodated one individual’s need to work remotely today, how will we deny that for others in the future?

And so, on and so forth!