Rule Types

Rules Checklist – Following the Rules (for Rules)

What are the limits of this rule? What are the exceptions?

Does the rule have multiple parts? Are the parts necessary? Can they be separated? Should this be more than one rule?

What are the costs of this rule? What does the rule cost the people whom the rule is meant for? (Freedom? Time? Money? Effort? Other?) List the cost of enforcing the rule. Compare all the costs vs. the benefits.

What specific benefit does following this rule create, and for whom? Could it benefit more people if changed? Are you preventing, blocking, or encouraging behavior with the rule?

What time and place is this rule intended for? Who is its target: Children, Adults, Men, Women, employees, drivers, criminals, or others? Who is exempt, and why? Will this be considered fair by the people being held to the rule?

What other rules support this rule? What rules does this rule support or make work better? How? Does the rule conflict with other known rules?

Could anyone read/hear this rule and understand it? Does it need further explanation? What is the goal, and why is the rule necessary?

What are the consequences of breaking the rule? Will it be clear that the consequence is fair? Will rule breakers understand why there is a consequence? Is the consequence fair and just in relation to the offense?

What are the ideals that this rule strives for? Is the rule still effective if it can’t achieve the ideal? Is there anyone(s) ‘winning’ by having this rule enforced?

Is any of the rule based on something other than fact? Are there facts behind the rule’s creation that would be problematic if known by those expected to follow the rule? Can you explain the real reasons and benefits to you in making the rule?

How does the rule apply to those creating it? Is there a structure to be exempt from the rule? What is the trade-off for those the rule doesn’t apply to? Who polices the people exempt from the rule?

At what point does this rule fail? Will you discard this rule if it fails? What would be cause for a change in the rule? How will the rule be changed, and by whom?

Rule “Pass/Fail” Test:

Does this rule have exceptions, and are there clear limits to the rule? If yes = pass

Is this the most direct and straightforward rule you can make? If yes = pass

Have you identified this rule's direct and indirect costs? Are they fair? If yes = pass

Does this rule benefit the most significant numbers possible? If yes = pass

Does this rule have a clear and appropriate time that it is, and is not, in effect? If yes = pass

Does this rule function in a way that cooperates with other rules, and could it work with rules yet to be created? If yes = pass

Is this rule clear enough to be understood by those expected to follow it? Does it have a clear goal, reasoning, and purpose? If yes = pass

Does this rule have clear and fair consequences in balance for those involved? If yes = pass

is this rule practical enough to be followed daily while keeping its goals in check? If yes = pass

Is any part of this rule based on something that is not entirely true or an attempt to make something true that is not? If not = pass

Does this rule also apply to the rule makers? Are there provisions for policing rule enforcers? Is there fairness and balance in the rule’s application? If yes = pass

Does this rule exist for profit, individual benefit, to maintain status, or to support a tradition that no longer benefits society? If no = pass

The Anti Rules for Making Rules

My Rule is without exception unless I make the exception.
(No rule is absolute.)

My Rule covers all possible situations. Its complexity is how you know it is the best rule.
(A simple rule is a more effective rule.)

My Rule’s outcome is worth the cost, as the ends justify the means.
(All rules have a cost that must be considered.)

My Rule’s benefit is that it achieves my goal. That is the benefit needed.
(A rule must have a benefit and target its most broad value.)

worm's-eye view photography of concrete building

My Rule functions and applies at all times.
(All rules have context and must function within the context.)

My Rule comes before other rules and works best when other rules support it.
(No rule stands alone.)

My Rule is about what I want people to do; that is all they need to understand.
(A rule requires definition.)

My Rule has serious consequences. Fear makes people follow the rules.
(Rules must have known and relevant consequences.)

My Rule is how we achieve a better world. Follow the rule and things will be better.
(A Rule must be practical, not idealistic.)

My Rule’s results matter more than how they are achieved. Lying for my rule’s outcome forgives the lie.
(A Rule must be based on as much truth as much as is known.)

My Rule applies to those under me. It does not apply to me or those I choose.
(A rule must apply to all; rule makers cannot be immune from their rule.)