Open, Honest, and Supportive

There are three simple values that I recommend to any team: Open, Honest, and Supportive.

So many team problems would be avoided if people would follow those basics.

An Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace is one where, if you have a problem with someone, you sit down with the person and discuss it. The other person is willing to hear criticism because the emphasis is on doing the right thing instead of being right. Naturally, there may be some complaints that should go to other parties - "Clyde has a gun in his desk" - but most workplace problems can be resolved at a low level of stress and conflict if they are addressed promptly and directly.

An Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace doesn't write off people. It develops and plays to their strengths. It doesn't have team members and "others." There is no caste system. Everyone is on the team and is worthy of support. If a person doesn't deserve to be on the team, that person is gone.

An Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace rejects manipulation and managing to the dysfunctional. Indirect management practices that restrict or punish an entire group in order to prevent possible misconduct by a few are not consistent with an Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace.

An Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace requires courage. People are expected to have the courage to speak up and the integrity not to retaliate against those who do.

An Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace doesn't permit people to play favorites when it comes to giving support. Team members support other team members in accordance with ethical standards. Period. Factions are not consistent with an Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace.

An Open, Honest, and Supportive workplace needs tending. It's a journey, not an event, and to implement each value can be challenging. Leaders and team members have to be willing to be called to account when they fail to meet its expectations. But discussing its values will get problems out on the table where they can be analyzed and resolved and that, in itself, is a major benefit.