When It’s Proper to Break the Rules
After Bayani Fernando became the mayor of Marikina, he destroyed all speed bumps in the municipality. Even though it’s convention to maintain speed bumps, particularly in residential areas, because they force cars to slow down and lessen the chance of vehicular fatalities.
But Bayani Fernando had a reason from breaking the rule. He promised the electorate that once the called was made, Marikina’s emergency services would arrive within five minutes. Totally fast in a country where the usual response time takes half an hour, even more. BF removed the speed bumps for this very reason. The improved service is just one of the reasons why Mr. Fernando turned Marikina into a first-class district.
By now you’re probably wondering: how is good governance related to freelancing?
Like Bayani Fernando, the rules aren’t set in stone for freelancers or contract workers. At least the rules that apply to their skills and proficiencies. The guidelines governing ethics and social interaction shouldn’t be so relative of course. The point is, it’s ok to break the rules and push the envelope as you go about your freelance career. But there are at least two requirements for a break from convention to be truly beneficial:
Good Fundamentals. How can you push the envelope if you don’t know what the envelope is? Some of the best contract workers started their career learning the basics of their craft, and learning them well. It was only when they could do the basic things unconsciously did they decide to try out new things. As a successful businessman, Bayani Fernando had sound managerial and leadership skills, which he put to good use as a politician.
A Good Reason. Bayani Fernando broke the rule and got rid of the speed bumps because he wanted to improve the response time of Marikina’s emergency services. That’s a good reason. Too often, freelancers push the envelope just for the sake of it, without considering which approach is best for their clients’ needs. There’s nothing wrong with experimentation, but even that should be based on something valid.
In short, those who find success when breaking the rules know what they’re doing, and have a good reason.
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POSTED IN: Ramblings of a Freelancer
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