I’ve been in a low church tradition for 20+ years. Folks in our strain of Christianity have a sense of pride around our lack of formal rules in how we worship. But, we know a high church tradition by its formality and ritual practices.
But I’ve come to understand that every church has its liturgy. The high church tradition is explicit about it. Try to change the style or even the music volume in a baptist church. You will soon find out there is very much a standard for public worship. You will not deviate without consequences.
I’ve also come to realize there’s a parallel in business.
Some companies are very explicit about their business liturgy. They have a documented cadence. There is a defined rhythm to the workday, week, quarter, and year. The daily standup. The quarterly OKR review. The annual Christmas party. We defined the vestments in the past as a full suit for management. But today, the polo with the company logo is no less a signifier of loyalty to the tribe and the wearer’s place within it. We use language to signify those in the know with words and acronyms. So. Many. Acronyms.
I’ve yet to understand why I end up in both a “low” church tradition and a “low” business tradition. I’ve viewed –with disdain– the “high” traditions as archaic and formulaic. Understand the fundamental principles. Then you wouldn’t need all these rituals to follow mindlessly.
But that’s not how life works. I want to contemplate every decision based upon first principles. But honestly, most of my choices are because of my liturgy. For example, I wrote this while watching an NCAA men’s basketball game. Why? Because it’s March, and that’s just what we do in the Berger home in March. Dad did that. I do that.
So if I’m resigned to having a liturgy, at least I want to be intentional about my choices.
Daryl and I are documenting our business cadences. The documentation process helps set up potential rhymes. We’re going to be more explicit about what we want. We’ll teach as much as we can. The lessons won’t come from my “sermons.” The rituals reinforce the first principles. The rituals can prompt more profound thought.
How does your business’ liturgy look?