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Code of conduct–Rules of the game

Most of us do our best at work to ensure what is right for ourselves, our colleagues, bosses, and clients.

There are general rules of the game, correct behaviour, how we act; a code of conduct. When those rules are severely bent or broken-by oneself or others-time to sit on the bench and let the game play out. My thoughts for a code of conduct at work:

[list]

  • Do not purposely hurt or impugn others, overtly or subtly. It’s damage either way, the surest way to get thrown out of the game, and be labelled “trouble”.
  • Watch what comes out of your mouth or what you write; it will always come back and bite you; learn to be mute when needed, store the vituperative emails away for 24 hours, then stir and edit.
  • Have a firm ethical and moral compass to follow at all times. Don’t deviate; you’ll never sleep otherwise.
  • Give away your knowledge and skills to those who can use it; selfishness gets you benched.
  • Always remember you have unique skills and strengths;work those particular muscles until there’s a bulge-it takes practice to look or sound natural.
  • Skip the envy, jealousy and sniping of others. Stop comparing upwards or sideways-be comfortable in your own skin-it fits you perfectly.
  • Don’t get nervous when handed the ball. Practice your self-talk and self-imagery of inner strength-know what you’re going to say and how you’re going to act. Yes, talking to yourself absolutely has merit.
  • Sometimes we’re lucky and sometimes its hard work; the two are not the same, but both are ingredients for success. Know which is which before you congratulate yourself or others.
  • Never assume everyone plays the game by your rules; many play with their own rules. Don’t get agitated, but recognise their game when you see it and see if it’s worth joining or not.
  • Listen and watch the “A” players carefully; they’re stars for a reason. Pick and choose what they do that works for you–we all succeed on the shoulders of others. Study and learn, it’s never too late.
  • Don’t ramble or hog the ball. No one has time to watch showboating or listen to slender rhetoric; be interesting, be engaging, and know when to politely and accurately pass the ball.
  • Be an adept and facile communicator; written, verbal, physical and aural. Having “presence” uses all those skills.
  • Make no decision or judgement when angry. Communicating when agitated is a surefire way to show others you cannot balance; the only impact made will be on the side of your head. And you’ll be wrong over 50% of the time anyhow.
  • No tantrums allowed. Don’t like something? Be counter-intuitive. Not everyone will agree or listen, but don’t scream. That’s a red card, and the game is finished, whether you’re the boss or not. A glare-or silence–is often sufficient. But words spoken hastily and venomously get you nowhere.
  • Attributed to the philosopher Philo, “Be kind, as everyone you meet is carrying a heavy burden.” You never know what is going on in someone else’s life, nor should you, but kindness lasts, and is what we humans are supposed to be anyhow.
  • [/list]