Principles vs Rules

One of the points that Fr Julian Fox stated during the meeting and interactions today caught my attention. While undertaking new initiatives or ventures, he said it is good to start with principles, not rules. I think that makes a lot of sense, especially from a formation perspective. Most often we set a structure or lay down a list of rules and regulations that we insist on adhering to for the smooth running and growth of the venture. Slowly in the bargain we lose track of the ultimate goal and get stuck to those structures or rules alone. This is what perhaps differentiates charismatic ventures and organised structures.