Would You Like A Policy With That?

At Proteus when a new person starts work with us, rather than give them a list of policies to read and sign for compliance, we prefer to go with the option of having a meaningful conversation… about what success looks like working here at Proteus.

Here we bring to life our company values, by sharing powerful stories that emphasise how critical it is for people to demonstrate how they best align their behaviours with them.

Basically, we ask anyone working at Proteus to behave like “fully formed adults.” Here they can commit to being positive, professional and proactive while at work. Our number one role is to work collaboratively as highly functional teams that deliver great services, products and outcomes for our customers.

That’s it really… deliver amazing service, and please don’t be a jackass!

Don’t Punish Your Good People with Another Policy!

We strongly believe that you can reduce your policies to a minimum, by adopting the principle of ‘not defaulting to creating a new policy’ when someone does the wrong thing.

You should never punish your good people with another punitive policy. Just because someone made a mistake, or they refuse to do the right thing!

When someone does the wrong thing (and they will occasionally), simply have a conversation with them. Ask them directly why they are choosing to go against our important values, when it has been clearly emphasised and articulated what is the ‘right thing’ to do around here.

Whether it’s poor performance or inappropriate behaviour, you need to address this quickly, directly and firmly. All within the spirit of giving people the ‘benefit of the doubt’, with the follow-up support to assist getting them back on track.

Critically, we need to ensure that we also clearly articulate what the consequences will be if they don’t start doing the right thing. And always ensure that we follow-up with them shortly after.

At this follow-up conversation, we will typically have two outcomes:

1. We thank and congratulate them on their changed performance or behaviour, as they are now doing the right thing.
2. Given that they are now consciously choosing not to do the right thing, they leave us with no choose but to go down the formal disciplinary pathway!

Whatever you do, please make sure that you don’t kick this proverbial can down the road… by writing another policy.

As Fierce Conversations author Susan Scott says: “Never be afraid of the conversations you are having. Be afraid of the conversations you are not having.”

That’s why we encourage all leaders to keep having adult conversations with your people. Coach them to continually recommit to demonstrating highly functional behaviours that are aligned to your values.

If someone continues to choose to be a jackass (but we know we can’t say that - right!), it’s time to get them off the bus! That way the rest of our beautiful people can get on with delivering amazing service.

Wishing you a wonderful, policy-free week.

Richard Dore
CEO - Director of Partnerships
Proteus Leadership