Rules of the road

Roads have laws, signs, and unspoken rules to ensure we can get from where we are to where we want to be, safely and quickly. The best work cultures are equally intentional about their rules of the road.

Culture is behavior, which needs to be defined, and not just modeled. As Ben Horowitz says, what you do is who you are.

We encourage our clients to define the expected behaviors of their culture. This is different from values, and even from company policies, this is the actual behavior of your team. If you haven’t yet, here are some ideas to get you started:

• I will speak respectfully, without blaming, shaming, or fixing.

• I will assume good intent.

• I will pause to think before speaking.

• I will remain present at meetings and turn off electronics.

• I will stay when times get tough.

• I will speak my truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.

• I will ask for what I want.

• I will take care of myself.

• I will express and own my emotions.

• I will own my opinion.

• I will contribute my perspective.

• I will listen to understand.

• I will ask permission before offering feedback or advice.

• I am willing to make mistakes.

• I am willing to laugh at myself.

• I will be on time and stay until the end.

When people don’t know the rules of the road, how can they get to the destination?