The realisation sneaking up and hitting us hardest of all is the yawning chasm between how things are said to work on paper and how things *really* are.

On paper, everyone has had adequate training, is suitably equipped, and knows exactly why they are doing any given task.

On paper, governance predicates that policy is adequate and policy assumes that governance is adequate while in truth, human nature is a constant undermining factor of both.

Documentation is therefore seen as a twig of rowan to ward off auditors and similar disruptive spirits

‘Policy’ docs are usually a bizarre and incomprehensible concoction of legislative copypasta, vague suggestions, procedural snippets and and dire threats of retribution for noncompliance, all written in Office-speak and bearing little relation to operational capability

Quick poll:

Do you feel that your org’s policies are helpful, realistic, accessible and easy to understand, up-to-date and reflective of actual business need?

When the paperwork doesn’t match reality, then it’s reality that’s going to sneak up and bite you on the bum, not a sheaf of documents.

Face the facts. Deal with them.

The facts will always include:

1. Nothing is perfect and nothing ever will be.
2. People don’t always do what they’re supposed to be doing
3. You can have it right, fast or cheap. Pick the 2/3 you prefer, because that’s as good as it gets.
4. You’ll never please everyone

5. The reality gap starts to widen as soon as the document is written, and will require constant attention if it is not to become a gaping void over time.
6. People will be people
7. Reality is infinitely harder to manipulate than a Word file, even one with bonkers formatting

8. To pursue ‘compliance’ as an end in itself will distort its purpose and warp its effectiveness.
9. Everyone has an Inner Toddler
10. We’re tiny specks of animated stardust on a minuscule ball of rock in an infinite Universe, just clinging on and trying to make the most of life