It is simple enough, and often lazy, to assess the behaviors of others, form an opinion, and rate it relative to our standards. In many cases, we have little opportunity to correct or realign the behavior to our liking, yet we still judge.
The dynamic changes when the standards of behaviors are those of a group, an organization, and a culture. In a collective situation, what constitutes good and bad behavior is likely well known. Where there is ambiguity about the standards, there is typically chaos. Think of parents who have differing standards of acceptable behavior. In those situations, a child will be confused and likely look to play one off the other – smart kid.
Taking the time to create our values in an organization and set acceptable standards of appropriate behavior is essential. Discussing what bad behavior is is just as relevant, if not crucial.
Creating a shared understanding of behaviors and instilling them into the group enables everyone to work well together in a cohesive manner, and when there is misalignment, redirection is simpler.
And when bad behavior does appear, the team must eliminate it quickly and thoroughly. The consequences of enabling bad behavior are never isolated and manifest into more significant issues.
