In my work life I run a small community based Arts organization that comes with quite the cast of characters, all of whom I need to motivate, mentor and manage. I am not good with confrontation or discipline and avoid at all costs being the "hard nosed" boss type. My partner, also a Director (but software, same title, salary scale on a different spectrum) has a clear black and white approach, to simply "get rid" of those who negatively affect the culture of the office.
It made me pause and reflect on the reality that if a male supervisor takes the no-nonsense approach, he is respected and mostly feared. An equal approach by a female counterpart is more than likely to get labelled a bitch.
Well, I am avoiding that label - for better or worse and instead developed my Office Manifesto. It is based on everything we learn at age six: share, be nice, help your friends and clean up your mess. All you bitches out there are welcome to use it!
Be good, xo vagi
 |
| A definite "B" |
Office Manifesto
- Share: ideas, reflections, reactions & experiences
- Do not judge, just show understanding
- Be kind to those who are in our space
- Help a newcomer (if you cannot, offer a solution)
- Have a sense of humour (but not at someone’s expense)
Respecting Space
- Dispose of cups, food containers, apple cores at the end of each day in outdoor garbage bins.
- Arrange your “work” neatly at the end of each day
- If you need to have a discussion, do not disturb others who are concentrating on their work
- Fridge “clean out” every Friday
- Empty recycle bins when they are full
Staff & Volunteers
- Listen to each others needs
- Speak up if you are not satisfied with a situation, do not let it fester
- Work together toward a common goal, understand that we all work differently (having earbuds in, does not mean someone is not engaged in their tasks)
- Have fun, get out and engage over coffee, arrange an office lunch potluck, walk the boardwalk together
- Be proud of what you do, and represent the organization professionally and courteously
