It happens to us all. At one time or another we’ve all walked into the wrong washroom inadvertently. Upon realizing our mistake we exit rather rapidly giving the sign on the door a more thorough check as we wonder to ourselves how we could have possibly made the mistake (again?) It must have been the sign’s fault!!!

As humans we rely on all manner of signs to direct our behaviour and steer us in the direction we want to travel. If we’re driving at 80 kms per hour and the traffic signs aren’t clear or obvious it can lead to disaster. If we ignore the signs it can lead to traffic mayhem. In the absence of signs we each choose our own direction, which can be a lot more fun but the results could be equally as disastrous.

Why is it then that as groups of people meeting to collaborate, make rapid decisions and create innovation we don’t have some helpful signs for directing our behaviour? Why do we expect that groups of people without agreed upon signs will move forward together in the same direction at the same speed while accomplishing anything?

Is it time for agreeing on some signs for meetings together?