The NFL (National Football League) is going through some of the same changes you are facing in your HR world.  It used to be that coaches maintained control and discipline in every part of the team, from the pre-game meal to what plays are called. 

Still, NFL teams are showcases of discipline, and no one who has even played a competitive sport can say otherwise.  But, recently even these “teams” are showing signs of 21st century thinking.

Players are second guessing the coach and play calling.  More than ever, team leaders are complaining about the plays being called.  “If they would simply ask us, we would do better,” said one star player.  One player estimated that in his career more than 60% of the plays called “just didn’t work.”

This is happening in the workplace too.  No longer will employees blindly follow the processes and your in-the-ivory-tower plans.  Consistently you must be ready and willing to explain and justify not only your decisions, but also even the smallest business process.  Someone is questioning it every day…or should be.