So, here’s a thought.  Let’s assume that you just landed a new job and you are learning your way through the company.  An unfamiliar situation arises, and you look to a co-worker for some assistance, because you want to do your best and do what is right.  So, you ask a question and get a response that isn’t what you expected and doesn’t quite make sense.

Then you ask another question: “Why do we do it like that?”

You’re told, “Because that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

There are better reasons to do something other than because that’s the way it’s always been done.  When tasks are completed mundanely or without thought, we might be missing a way to do them more effectively or more efficiently.  Besides, “That’s the way it’s always been done” isn’t really much of an answer, anyway.

Therefore, if something doesn’t feel right, question it.  If something doesn’t make sense, challenge it.  If someone doesn’t know the answer, keep asking until you find someone who does.  And if you can think of a better alternative, do it!