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Chesterton's Fence

Navigating Decision-Making and Leadership with Prudence

Jeffrey Satkowski

Sep 29, 2023 — 3 min read

Originally published on September 29, 2023

Recently, I came across an interesting concept in a podcast that has profound implications for decision-making and leadership: "Chesterton's Fence." Coined by the English philosopher G.K. Chesterton, this principle offers insightful guidance on prudent decision-making and effective leadership. It urges individuals to approach change with circumspection and comprehend established practices' origins before attempting modifications. Chesterton's Fence can guide us through the process of decision-making and leadership responsibilities.

Deciphering Chesterton's Fence

Imagine this: a time-honored practice, tradition, or system that stands like a fence before you. Chesterton's Fence represents this established construct. However, it cautions against rash decisions or alterations. Before you embark on any transformation, Chesterton's wisdom resonates: "Do not dismantle a fence without first understanding why it was erected."

Chesterton's Fence as a Decision-Making Compass

Consider the landscape of decision-making. Often, individuals encounter situations where the allure of change appears irresistible. Yet, Chesterton's Fence advises restraint. It beckons decision-makers to investigate an existing practice's historical context and reason for existing before proceeding with changes. This practice prevents impulsive actions that might yield unintended consequences.

For instance, think about the standard practice of asking for a 9-1-1 caller's location before asking about the nature of their emergency. At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive – why ask for the location before knowing what the emergency is? However, by invoking Chesterton's Fence, we would realize that this order of questioning originated from the need to dispatch the appropriate help as quickly as possible through the case-entry protocol. Understanding this rationale allows us to appreciate the importance of the established procedure and potentially explore ways to enhance its efficiency without compromising its fundamental goal.

Leadership and the Wisdom of Chesterton's Fence

In the domain of leadership, Chesterton's Fence takes on a heightened significance. Leaders must approach their roles with an astute appreciation for established structures, policies, and cultural norms. Only dismantling them with awareness of their historical context could yield beneficial outcomes.

Political leaders, especially, often confront the pressure to institute sweeping reforms. In this context, Chesterton's Fence offers wisdom. Leaders are encouraged to immerse themselves in the origins and implications of existing policies before advocating changes. This approach, bolstered by historical insight, mitigates the risk of disrupting delicate societal balances.

Chesterton's Fence in Personal Progress

Beyond decision-making and leadership, Chesterton's Fence bears relevance to personal development. It prompts individuals to pause and introspect before embracing novelties or discarding time-honored practices. Often, personal growth is driven by trends or external pressures. Chesterton's Fence counsels us to temper this impulse by assessing whether the change aligns with our fundamental values and aspirations, even our needs versus wants.

For instance, my current vehicle from Ford Motor Company is a pickup truck on a lease agreement. As the end of the lease period approaches next year, a significant decision stands before me. Given that I operate with just a single vehicle, I find myself at a crossroads: should I succumb to the allure of a Bronco, driven by its undeniable cool factor, or should I keep the truck I presently possess, recognized for its utility and practicality that exceeds that of a Bronco in the context of my needs? Alternatively, should I procure another vehicle that reasonably meets my needs, such as a Ford Explorer? In this scenario, the existing truck emerges as a manifestation of Chesterton's Fence, embodying a configuration that incorporates my practical, everyday needs, and proves exceptionally functional for many homeownership tasks. I must decide whether to remove the metaphorical fence and choose a less practical but more enjoyable, however infrequently used for fun, vehicle, i.e., the Bronco.

Concluding Thoughts

Chesterton's Fence is a standard of circumspect action. This principle champions understanding before action in a world teeming with impulsive decisions. Whether guiding choices, orchestrating leadership, or shaping personal growth, Chesterton's Fence offers a compass to navigate the currents of change, ensuring that wisdom remains the hallmark of our labors. So, before you contemplate dismantling that "fence," pause and consider its foundations – for therein lies the path to informed and reasonable progress.