The manager’s book of decencies

Posted by Ricki Sharpe on August 2, 2007
Filed Under Leadership, Work Behaviour

Steve Harrison, chairman of management-consultants Lee Hecht Harrison and author of The Manager’s Book of Decencies, knows one truth: The long term success of any company, small or large, local or global, depends largely on its culture. Change a company’s internal culture for the better, and results sky-rocket. However, can a manager really adjust the culture of an entire work force, especially in a large corporation?

Addressing concerns at every level of corporate culture, from the entry level to the CEO’s office, Harrison shows how decencies will enhance communication, build teamwork, boost productivity and create a stronger dedication to a shared mission company-wide.

Some small decencies are obvious

Welcome visitors by name and as guests
Call fellow employees by name and remember their names
Refer to employees as associates or colleagues
Respect confidences and avoid gossip
Remember to say thank you, or write thank you notes
Avoid asking questions to which you already have the answer

Some small decencies require extra work or courage

For meetings you convene, be the first to sit down and the last to get up
Take the time in every meeting for introductions
Convey bad news in person
Answer your own phone (unless you are with someone)
Give away recognition when things go well; hoard responsibility when they don’t
When you make a mistake, admit it and apologise
Seek to understand before seeking to be understood
Send out personalised birthday cards to every employee

Others require a high level of empathy or leap of imagination

Have published office hours where your door is open for colleagues to drop in
Avoid slang, idioms, and colloquialisms out of courtesy for those whose first language is not your own
Send job interviewees a map and driving directions from their home to the interview site
If you have to terminate an employee, check if it’s their birthday or significant milestone
Terminate people face to face, not before a holiday, and never on a Friday
When you meet with a colleague, signal your willingness to listen by opening a notebook
Value silence

The Manager’s Book of Decencies delivers a top-to-bottom approach to creating the kind of positive corporate culture, which has shown repeatedly to improve performance, attract and retain top talent, promote well-behaved organisations, and advance a vision of shared values. This is crucial reading for every manager.

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