Toolbox Alert #3: A Code of Conduct Really Works!

This post is the 3rd article of a series called Creating Your Own Code of Conduct.

Toolbox Alert #1 covered the following topics:

• The importance of a Code of Conduct
• Challenges you may face while creating the Code of Conduct
• An important reality check about the Code of Conduct

You will find the link to Toolbox Alert#1 HERE

Toolbox Alert #2 covered the following topics:

• Knowing the priorities of the Code of Conduct
• The Code of Conduct is the police officer
• What to do when someone breaks the Code of Conduct

You will find the link to Toolbox Alert #2 HERE

This week’s article will cover the following topics:

• Examples to get you started to create a Code of Conduct
• Joyce’s thoughts about creating a Code of Conduct

Examples to get you started to create a Code of Conduct

The following are examples of ideas created by clients during past training sessions: 

• Eating before meetings in order to focus on important issues
• Total engagement of the entire team – no silence
• Talkative team members sticking to the point
• Finger pointing and blaming will not be tolerated
• Sidebars won’t happen during meetings in order for everyone to listen to the speaker
• Company values will be followed.  If there is a breach of the code, we need to confront others
• Treat people how you want to be treated
• Bullying will not be tolerated
• Harassment will be addressed especially with sexual orientation, minorities, women, and new team members
• Discipline will be consistent with all leaders

Joyce’s thoughts about creating a Code of Conduct

• Everyone has to agree to the Code of Conduct or it will not work. 
• When there is a breach the person needs to be called out.
• We need to ask,  Is what you are doing aligned with our values? 
• Retaliation is never part of the code.  People need to feel safe in order to respectfully tell team members when
  they break the code.
• The entire team needs to create the Code of Conduct

I want to hear from you

Add a comment to my blog on how you created a code of conduct in your workplace. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂  You are always welcome to send me a private email with concerns that you are experiencing at work.

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company.

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts. Help us help them reduce conflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.

This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communications Strategist and Career Coach

Have a great week.

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”