Shawnee Love   •  
September 24, 2010

Have you ever noticed how the things around you aren’t as cool as what someone else has? How people you hang out with aren’t as interesting as those you read about on the web?  How your employees or colleagues aren’t as smart as the people in other companies? If so, you are a living example of the

Rule of Far Away.

The rule of far away is a close cousin to the adage “familiarity breeds contempt”. People who succumb to the seductive powers of this belief are of the opinion that the person you don’t have is smarter, faster, and more creative than the people sitting around your table now.

As a consultant, you would think I love the Rule of Far Away. After all, I make money delivering people processes, systems, policies, structures, and skills because you don’t have the expertise in-house. I certainly bring that knowledge and change management skills to the table, but your employees probably have forgotten more about your business’ inner workings than I will have time to learn. The most effective solutions for change come from working together and require involvement and consultation from the people who will have to live with the consequences. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.