(Did/Do) you run your department only "by the book"?

In many companies, management style is dependent on corporate culture and company philosophy. When that philosophy dictated a very strict interpretation of rules and procedures, I adhered to it. But there are many situations not covered by the book, and in those situations my judgment was guided by the particular situation and the department's mission. My main goal is to get the work done by people who perform their jobs with energy and initiative. It's very difficult to write how to do that into a policy manual.