Humanizing Rules

CHAPTER 18RULE NUMBER ONE

Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves

In 1789, a famous mutiny occurred on the HMS Bounty, a British Royal Navy vessel. A band of sailors led by acting‐Lieutenant Fletcher Christian seized control of the ship from Captain William Bligh, who was set adrift with eighteen of his loyal crew. The story has been made into a musical, several movies, and countless books.

A common feature of the story's fictionalised versions is an order Bligh is said to have given to his men. Apparently, he told them, “Beatings will continue until morale improves.” There is no evidence that Bligh actually said this. Nor is there any evidence that he also said, “Never let the truth stand in the way of a good anecdote.”

As a memorable quote and “last straw” plot device to explain a mutiny, “beatings will continue” works really well. As an actual order, it makes no sense whatsoever. Administering beatings will not achieve the desired outcome of improved morale.

Outcome

What the fictional Bligh failed to understand was that engaging human beings isn't a matter of mandating or forcing it. As anyone who has experienced a corporate awayday with an element of “enforced fun” will appreciate, we can't force people to feel a particular way; they either do or they don't.

Of course, they can pretend to be having fun. Just as they can pretend to be following rules. But since we're interested in people actually doing what we want them to and not just going through the motions – ...