| According to Wikipedia, the term sacred cow is used | | | | probably every company in existence) has self |
| for a person, institution, idea (often a theory) or | | | | imposed, unnecessary constraints that limit their |
| ideology that is immune (usually unreasonably so) | | | | problem solving creativity and ability to innovate. |
| from criticism or opposition. | | | | Frustrated, he told me that every once in a while |
| A frustrated co-worker once came to me to vent | | | | you need to go out and slaughter one of the cows. |
| about a problem that he had during a brainstorming | | | | I couldn't agree him more. In today's world, change is |
| session. The purpose of a brainstorming session, he | | | | inevitable. Each one of us must decide whether we |
| (correctly) explained, is to get all of the ideas out, | | | | are going to embrace it or fight against it. The choice |
| and then narrow them down based upon their | | | | to embrace change will likely lead to improvements in |
| feasibility. The problem that they were having was | | | | the efficiency and effectiveness of what we do. |
| that too many people had gone to the session with | | | | Fighting against change will probably result in anger, |
| pre-conceived notions of what wouldn't work. So | | | | frustration, and wasting time - and in the end you will |
| much so, that every time a creative idea came out, | | | | still have to make the change anyway. |
| it was shot down. The results they walked away | | | | We all have sacred cows at our jobs and in our lives. |
| with were less than desired. | | | | It seems like successful people and successful |
| He went on to tell me that his biggest frustration in | | | | entrepreneurs are able to recognize those |
| his professional career has been all of the sacred | | | | unreasonable constraints, slaughter some cows, and |
| cows that he has encountered. He explained that | | | | discover new and better ways to do things. |
| every company that he has ever worked for (and | | | | |