The law has become very convenient: it makes it possible to hide certain incompetence and to exclude any pragmatism in favour of a dogmatism that is sometimes delusional in certain companies.
But what exactly are we talking about when we say “law” in this demonstration? It refers to all the directives, standards, articles of law, elements of conformity - or compliance - as well as the numerous certifications that guide the decisions and actions of companies and, therefore, of every professional.
Of course, it is not a question of questioning the existence of these standards, which have become indispensable in a hyper-connected world. Rather, it is to recognize that instead of fostering creativity or pragmatism, they often become filters against efficiency, cushions of laziness, or markers of irrelevance.
In midsize and large organizations, every initiative of even the slightest significance must now pass through the net of legal, compliance, IT security, privacy, or even human resources, audit, communications, or risk managers.
To what end? To reduce risk to zero. But taking risks means taking risks. The experts will reply that the goal is not to eliminate them, but to minimize them. Of course… we understand.
The real problem is the lack of proportionality in measures and controls, and the almost total disappearance of pragmatic common sense. The direct consequence of this phenomenon is the loss of the desire to act. Why put forward an innovative idea, knowing that it will take six months of analysis and that it will be rejected about ten times?
When we find ourselves writing concepts and sales pitches, holding multiple meetings, and mobilizing senior management for a small action with very limited risk - simply because no one has the courage or the competence to say “go for it” - we reach heights of inefficiency and absurdity.
And that’s not all. When this observation is shared with people who are still lucid, the majority respond that they are aware of the situation, but that nothing can be changed. The accumulation of layers of conformity is so great that it has become inextricable. This is the height of absurdity.
The height of irony: the same people who are so rigorous in a professional context often take far greater risks in their personal lives, without it bothering them in the least. An almost cruel irony.
Of course, one can find this normal, laugh at this analysis, or even doubt the lucidity of those who dare to question this established order. But we are talking about the efficiency, performance, margins and sustainability of companies. Strangely, this does not seem to bother many people. So be it.
As for me, I’m at the end of my career, so I don’t really care. I just feel sorry for the next generations. But no offense, ladies and gentlemen with doctorates in law…
Enjoy reading and see you soon.