Is bending the rules effective?

Bending the rules can indeed be effective in certain contexts, although it comes with varying degrees of ethical considerations and potential consequences. Here are some key insights from trusted experts:

1. Efficiency and Flexibility:

   • Karen Levy highlights how strict rule adherence can hinder efficiency in various sectors, such as labor actions and trucking. She explains that in some contexts, like jaywalking in cities, bending the rules can actually lead to greater economic efficiency 1.

2. Judgment and High Agency:

   • Shreyas Doshi discusses the need for judgment in knowing which rules to bend. He emphasizes that teams should develop a high agency, where individuals feel empowered to influence outcomes creatively and responsibly 2.

3. Leadership and Innovation:

   • Mike Hayes advocates for "smart rule breaking," stressing that innovation often requires challenging existing norms. He advises weighing the intentions and potential harms of rule-breaking through a cost-benefit analysis 3.
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       Challenging Rule Compliance

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       2

       Judgment Over Rules

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       3

       Making Hard Choices

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       4

       Breaking Rules for Storytelling

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       5

       Crypto Industry Challenges

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4. Context and Adaptation:

   • Skye Fitzgerald shares examples from filmmaking in conflict zones, where bending the rules, like using fixers to avoid bureaucratic delays, becomes necessary for practical reasons. This highlights the importance of adapting to local contexts where standard rules may not be just or practical 4.

5. Ethical Boundaries and Public Interest:

   • Jason Calacanis warns about the dangers of bending rules irresponsibly, using examples like Facebook's ad controversies and the crypto industry's regulatory issues. He points out that responsible rule-bending should prioritize public interest and societal benefit 5 4.

In summary, bending the rules can be effective when done judiciously and ethically, with a focus on improving outcomes and innovation while minimizing harm and respecting broader societal norms.