Obviously there can be misguided procedures, but any decision made or operation done can be misguided.
What then?
Consider the current thread on the whole "toaster in the dishwasher" topic, during which someone related an incident wherein an entire server site was immersed in water but still functioning (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=41251234). The site manager followed procedure (wait a while, not cut the power, perform risk assessment) and it resulted in total loss, but the poster wanted to "cut the power, pump the water out of the bunker ASAP and immediately clean the whole lot with pure water." Here we have a tension between procedure and results. Procedure ended up causing total site loss, which was completely avoidable.
Similarly, a current thread on an ER doctor not following the usual procedures during a mass casualty event was lauded. A choice had to be made. Here, results won.
I just like to know this sort of thing about a work culture in advance. Letter of the law versus the spirit of the law, and so on.
So when do you deviate from procedure? When the edge case you’re in is well outside the scope of exit procedures which requires detailed understanding of the procedures and their justifications.
14 CFR § 91.3(b) In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.
Also people do charge all the fucking time, and don't put their phone into airplane mode. :|
Do not underestimate how even minimal training can be extremely effective at scale. I know from experience that I am a person who does not freeze, I focus. When shit happens, I act but I can act without thinking. Because of that mantra, I have a plan to follow and I will act correctly.
Also don't underestimate the effect of priming. It reminds you there is a plan. When pilots prepare for takeoff, they briefly review how to handle emergencies during takeoff. Not because they don't know, but to bring those procedures to attention and have them ready in their mind.
For the mantra to work, all it has to do is remind you those procedures you vaguely know exist.
