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About this quote

What does it mean?
Written directions are not enough to navigate complex social institutions; context and experience are also needed.
In plain terms
Rules alone cannot teach you how to behave in complex places.
What can you take from it?
Context matters more than written instructions.

Where it applies

  • student orientation
  • workplace onboarding
  • social etiquette

Putting it to work

  • provide context with manuals
  • offer mentorship

Questions to consider

  • What cannot be written down?
  • How do we learn unwritten rules?

Another view

Some fields rely almost entirely on written protocols.

More from Judith Martin

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