Have you ever heard of the parable called Chesterton’s Fence?  No? Me either.

During a kick-off call with a large independent retailer, the CEO described his vision of what he was looking for in hiring a new CFO.  He asked if I had heard of Chesterton’s Fence, to which I said no.  He asked me to look it up and call him back with what I learned.  So Google and I sat down with a bourbon that night and looked up Chesterton’s Fence.

Chesterton’s Fence is about thoughtful decision-making as a leader. It is about being open-minded and having the humility to accept that going into a new role, one will not know everything that is in place. To be successful, a leader must be open to the fact that he/she will be charged with making changes to policies or procedures, but to do so, they must understand why things are done the way they are and why they were done in the first place.

Coined from a parable by the renowned writer Gilbert Keith Chesterton, this principle is a powerful reminder to consider the original purpose of things before making any changes. As Chesterton wisely noted, “Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.”

The Parable of the Fence

Chesterton’s narrative transports us to a field where an observer encounters a seemingly purposeless fence. While one might be tempted to remove it, Chesterton advises against such impulsive actions without first understanding why the fence was erected. This simple yet compelling story illustrates the concept of understanding before change—a principle that encourages us to seek the purpose behind existing structures, whether physical or conceptual.

The Principle of Chesterton’s Fence

At its core, Chesterton’s Fence is a call to “look before you leap.” It emphasizes the necessity of comprehending the historical context and rationale behind any established system or rule before attempting to dismantle it. Fences are often not arbitrary; they are the result of careful planning, investment, and forethought. Ignoring these factors can lead to unintended consequences and the loss of valuable insights from past decisions.

Applications of Chesterton’s Fence

Chesterton’s Fence principle is highly applicable across various fields, including the manufacturing, distribution, and retailing of building materials. Understanding the purpose behind existing business ways is crucial in this domain. What might initially appear outdated or inefficient could result from decades-old ways of doing business or choices made to comply with legal requirements, enhance usability, or meet specific project deadlines. Before branding a way of doing business as “bad,” leaders are encouraged to explore its origins and the problems it was intended to solve.

This principle can be applied to any change scenario beyond building materials. Whether reforming policies, redesigning processes, or modifying a historical building, it is essential to consider why these structures exist and weigh the potential impact of altering them. This approach respects the judgments of those who came before us and helps prevent new, unforeseen challenges.

Embracing Historical Context

Chesterton’s insight challenges the notion that previous generations were misguided. We can make more informed choices today by acknowledging the historical context and reasons behind decisions. People rarely act without reason; just because something is not immediately understood does not mean it lacks purpose.

Ultimately, I learned that Chesterton’s Fence is a timeless principle urging us to appreciate past wisdom. As we navigate our ever-changing world, remember to ask why a “fence” was built before we tear it down. By doing so, we uphold the importance of understanding before change and ensure that our actions are grounded in knowledge and respect for history.