Our lives are imbued with rules and regulations, some of which are vital and sensible, but others are simply stupid. Time-wasting processes of compliance don’t improve anyone’s lives or wellbeing and burden companies and organizations with productivity-sapping paperwork. In these instances, we would be better off resorting to the exercise of authority. It is a concept that we are now afraid of, but authority in the right place is a more efficient and transparent option for getting things done.

Natasha Hamilton-Hart navigates the rules-maze that has proliferated in response to crisis and failure in recent decades, challenging us to consider just how ineffective stupid rules are in holding power to account, to improving service delivery, and even in managing the office dress code. A must-read for anyone frustrated by the bureaucratic overload regulations create and for those needing to rethink their approach to management.