Don't Be Old School

“Old school” is a term used to describe music, art and general cultural trends that are associated with the 20th century.

In the 20th century, popular culture was largely influenced by the advertising industry. In an era when radio and television were still in their infancy, advertisers were primarily using print ads to promote products and services. The packaging of products such as Tupperware or Campbell's soup reflected this focus on old-fashioned values like family dinners and well-behaved children.

We often hear the refrain “I’m old school” when leaders are faced with new information and ideas. By saying they are “old school,” it seems to imply their methods are antiquated and etched in stone.

When Houston Texans Coach David Culley, 65 years old, was recently asked about his decision-making during the game and the use of analytics, he said: "I know analytics has those things out there. We do have access to all of that, but I'm old school in a way that... if I'm not feeling it, we're not doing it, regardless of what that chart says."

Does being old school keep information from setting in? Does being old school imply:

• You would rather wash dishes than use the dishwasher?

• You would rather look at a map than use your phone for directions?

• You would rather use a rotary phone than have a cell phone?

• You would rather use a legal pad than a computer?

• You would rather send mail than email?

• You would rather pay bills by hand each month than use Venmo?

• You would rather go to the library instead of using Google?

The list could go on and on. I’m sure Culley doesn’t wash dishes, has a cell phone, uses Waze when he gets lost and will send cash via Venmo. He is only “old school” when convenient to his argument. All of those new advancements aren’t old school but gaining more information is?

Look, we all understand the situation during a game will dictate his decisions and that nothing is ever cut and dry. But collecting all of the information available isn’t being overly progressive or revolutionary. It’s being smart.

Eric Shinseki, formerly Chief of Staff of the United States Army, once said: “If you don’t like change you’re going to like irrelevance even less.” Culley and many others must embrace change and welcome information. He doesn’t have to agree or implement the data — he only needs to consider all of his options. Leaders like Culley are in the information business and gaining every piece of data is the only way to make the best decision at the moment. Saying he’s old school in decision making is not being old school, it’s being closed-minded.

And no leader can afford to ever close his mind.