I always break rules that I think are stupid. Especially any rule that goes along the lines of “do not cross this line”. I walk on grass. I go in out doors. Once I even backed up when the sign said not to. Of course, THAT one didn’t work out so well.
Basically, if the rule isn’t for my safety or the safety of others, I’ll give it a break.
Ah, but I turn into a whimpering jellyfish when challenged outside of my comfort zone. What if there is a point to the rule, but I just didn’t see it because I’m a newbie? Won’t I feel stupid if someone tells me why what I’m doing is wrong? This is what runs through my head when I consider breaking rules - even small ones. I am so shy and worried about making mistakes, that I can rarely strike up the courage do something other than the norm. Until I’m more experienced in that place/time/situation/company, when I become quite assertive, confident and more than willing to question the rules.
<whimper>Don’t hate me for being weak!</whimper>
I’ll break a rule, but only if it’s a patently stupid rule, and only if I stand to gain from it personally. I’m not interested in making a point for others.
I guess that’s how I am as well. I don’t go out of my way to break rules, but I refuse to follows stupid ones just because someone said it’s a rule. Our local HR manager loves to follow rules just because they are rules, so we go the rounds sometimes. “It’s a rule.” just doesn’t fly for me, especially if it’s pointless.
I entirely agree. Like the speed limit on motorways, for example :).