Love them or hate them, rules are inescapable.

As individuals we are subject to rules created and enforced by others, and as managers and leaders we subject others to the rules we create (or that have been given us from “above”). In this book we will explore the role of rules in our daily work and our relationship to them, as both individuals and as leaders. We’ll discuss why you should always follow – and enforce – the rules, except when you shouldn’t.

Or, if you prefer, why you should never follow – or enforce – the rules, except when you should.

image courtesy Dave Gray

Although the ideas in this book have been rattling around inside my head for the better part of two decades, I am sitting down now and writing it all out as part of The School of the Possible, an incredible gathering of ridiculously talented, creative, and generous humans who have encouraged me to develop these ideas into a form that can be shared.