Bill of Rights for Ethical Management

As employees, you have the right to expect ethical standards from your managers. I believe that all employees should have access to a work environment that prioritises their well-being and professional growth. Your bill of rights comprises:

1. You have the right to accurate and truthful information about your job responsibilities, performance expectations, and career development opportunities.
2. You have the right to expect fair compensation, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
3. You have the right to privacy and the protection of your personal information.
4. You have the right to work in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
5. You have the right to voice your concerns and have them addressed in a timely and respectful manner.
6. You have the right to expect ethical and responsible management practices that prioritise your well-being and professional growth.
7. You have the right to expect constructive feedback, coaching, and mentorship from your managers.
8. You have the right to expect that all managers will receive and actively participate in a personal development programme focussed on their management and leadership skills. (thanks to Martin Ellis for this addition)

Do you pledge to uphold these principles and rights as ethical managers and to continuously strive for excellence in your management practices?

--

As employees, you also have a responsibility to execute your part in the job to be done #JTBD to the best of our ability. You are not only paid for showing up but also for delivering results and achieving your performance goals. Your role is essential in contributing to the overall success of the organisation and fulfilling your customers' needs. Here are some of your key responsibilities:

1. Take ownership of your work and ensure that you are meeting your performance goals. Focus on outcomes, not just showing up to work every day.
2. Communicate effectively with your colleagues and managers. Ensure that you are receiving the necessary resources, support, and feedback to deliver high-quality work.
3. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge. Take responsibility for your own professional development and seek out challenges that will help you grow.
4. Maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a positive work environment. Respect your colleagues and customers, and maintain confidentiality where necessary.
5. Follow all company policies and procedures, as well as any applicable laws and regulations.
6. Be accountable for your own actions and take responsibility for your mistakes or errors.
7. Focus on collaboration and teamwork. Contribute your unique skills and knowledge to help your colleagues achieve their goals and deliver high-quality work.

Remember, as employees, you are essential to the organisation's success. By taking ownership of your work, delivering results, and contributing to a positive work environment, you can achieve our goals and create a fulfilling and rewarding career.

--

I'm interested in your thoughts on this topic. I believe we need to reflect, reset and rethink management as a discipline, its function and how we apply this incredible resource which could be the single most positive catalytic force for transformation that delivers the greatest band for you buck of any investment.

Consider the untapped potential of managers. In the UK there are 2.4 million accidental managers. These are people who were tapped on the shoulder and told "Bad news! We've just fired your idiot boss. Good news. Congrats! You're now the idiot boss! Go and have at it. And good luck!" And thatis their runway into management.

Those 2.4m accidental managers have an average of 7-8 direct reports. That means half the UK adult working population is reporting to people who fall short not out of intent, but because they are not valued, they are undertrained and leadership misconstrues management a supervisory function.

I believe we have a great opportunity to make things better for employees and shareholders to build optimised, profitable business that deliver certain results and a great environment for employees, customer and partners.

Your thougths?