Rules are often used by those in authority to keep the rest of us in line. That might be a tad dramatic, but when you hear the word rule you should decide if it is a good rule or a bad rule and if it is a bad rule you should do what you can to disrupt the rule and find a compromise. I understand, for example, the rule to wear a bike helmet is a good one.
Sadly, most people roll over and die when they hear the roadblock word "rule." You call your doctor and tell the phone scheduler that you need a referral to physical therapy for the same running injury you have acquired for the third time in two years and you know the PT makes it better with the magic they've performed twice before. The assistant says, "No, I'm sorry we have a rule. You must see the physician before she can make a referral." That is an example of a bad rule because you know the physician is simply going to refer you as she did the other two times. It can cost up to $200 to see a physician these days even for a simple referral.
You must disrupt, or like a sheep led to slaughter, in this "rule" case you will be made to pay $200 and lose an hour visiting the doctor for no good reason. This is a common sense issue and not a "one rule fits all" situation which is the challenge with most rules. Make your case to the phone scheduler who is most often powerless. Those in charge have given the phone scheduler this "rule" with orders they cannot deviate from the "rule" and must obey it at all costs. How would you like that job? No flexibility and no control over what you can decide.
You may have to resort to unusual tactics if your negotiations don't work as the phone scheduler would be taking a career risk to disobey the rule and there aren't many people willing to do that on your behalf. "I want you to call the doctor and tell her I said she doesn't need to keep seeing me for the same injury and she doesn't need the additional $200 and call me back and tell me what she said. Here let me give you my cell phone number. I'm serious, I want to hear what the doctor says." I know that would be impossible for some of you to do. You are too nice. I on the other hand am not a nice guy in the face of injustice. I will resort to dirty tactics to disrupt a bad "rule." And you shouldn't let the word stop you. Instead, when you hear the word "rule," and you've determined it is a bad rule, you should prepare for a disruptive battle. After all, rules were made to be broken. That is a rule I like.
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