Do's & Don'ts
Treat others with dignity and respect
DO
- Treat others as you would want to be treated.
- Value the time and needs of others - e.g., start and end meetings on time; respond to all requests within 24 hours.
- Recognize the value of others' views and perspectives.
- Support participation in problem-solving or decision-making discussions.
DON'T
- Be a Bully - "Just do what I say!"
- Be a Prima Donna - "I'll do this when I am good and ready."
- Point the Finger - "That's the kind of thinking that created this problem."
- Be a Blowhard - "Why don't others speak up?"
Support and promote intra- and inter-departmental teamwork
DO
- Solve corporate, not just departmental problems.
- Play for the name on the front of the jersey by focusing on team rather than individual success.
- Learn to involve your staff, your peers, and your boss in everything you do.
- Define the rules of the road and the rules of engagement: make sure roles are properly defined and assigned; establish service level agreements.
- Understand that teamwork requires constructive role-playing.
DON'T
- Lose the Forest for the Trees - "All that really matters is that I get my job done."
- Play for the Name on the Back of the Jersey - "I've got to find a way to make sure I look good."
- Play it Solo - "If I just work hard enough I can figure out and manage everything myself."
- Drive Blind - "I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing here or where this is going, but I'll go along for the ride."
- Be a Ball Hog - "The only way we are going to score is if I shoot."
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Understand and consider the needs and impacts of your own work on others
DO
- Understand that your work is part of a process and that your actions affect the work of others.
- Acknowledge intersections and boundaries.
- Be open to different problem-solving approaches and solutions.
DON'T
- Work in a Silo - "I don't care how much work or disruption this causes for someone else."
- Eat Someone Else's Lunch - "I'll take credit for that, too, thanks!"
- Be a Control Freak - "My totally closed mind is open to your proposal."
Demonstrate an ability to problem-solve and make timely decisions
DO
- Remember that problem-solving requires compromise; support decisions once they are made.
- Behave in a professional, not personal, manner.
- Be pro-ACT-ive.
- Stay focused on the problem at hand and the time frame for resolution.
- Identify and confront problems, no matter how big or ugly they may be.
DON'T
- Sit in the Middle of the Road (and Cry) - "I don't like the solution so I am going to just sit here and make it hard for them to move."
- Wave the Red Cape - "This will really get Artie going."
- Chase Rainbows - "If we just had perfect data, I would feel comfortable making a decision."
- Shadow Box - "I know this has nothing to do with solving the problem, but I just love a good debate!"
- Ignore the Rhino - "If we pretend there is no problem, maybe it will disappear."
Actively seek and receive feedback for improvement
DO
- Seek timely, frequent feedback from all internal customers.
- Listen actively and test your understanding.
- Encourage both positive and negative feedback.
DON'T
- Assume No News is Good News - "No one is saying anything bad; things must be good!"
- Nod and Bob - "If I keep smiling, maybe they will believe I'm listening."
- Go for the Jugular - "If you think I have a problem, you..."
Consistently share knowledge and information
DO
- Provide information in advance of meetings, with sufficient time for review.
- Share information with business partners.
- Communicate information without bias or unwarranted conclusions.
- Explain complicated information.
DON'T
- Blindside - "If I don't tell them until I have to, I'll win."
- Play Favorites - "Only my friends should know."
- Spin the Data - "I know I can make this data say what I think is true."
- Drown with Paper - "They'll never understand this!"