The case for common sense at work

“Why isn’t common sense more common at work?” I’ve heard some version of this question more times than I can count, and it’s only increasing. I’ve asked it myself. I’ve been at nearly every rung of the corporate ladder, from working the cash register to sitting in board meetings. And it’s often people in the latter who could use a reminder to take a break from slide decks and spreadsheets and make decisions using their head—and yes, even their heart. To get there, it helps to have real examples. I get plenty of them whenever I follow up: “What happened most recently to make you think common sense is missing?” Because there’s usually something very specific underneath that generalization. Where common sense goes missing Sometimes it’s small. An employee is expected to be in the office by 8:30, but schedules a doctor’s appointment that means they won’t be in until 9. There’s nothing urgent or pressing that requires them to be there at 8:30. If you were their manager, what would you say? Maybe: “It’s 30 minutes, just let it go.” Or “Just record it as sick time.” Or “Can you stay 30 extra minutes later to make it up?” All fairly reasonable. But there are managers who’d roll their eyes…