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Mutual Respect: Key to Collaboration
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Full FFWO success depends not only on adherence to a clear and fair
process. It is enhanced or reduced by the collaborative skills of
the participants. New ways of working require the shedding of old
habits and assumptions and the mastery of new skills and behaviors.
We have concluded over the years that the core of this skillset is
what we call the “Mutual Respect” standards and skills, summarized
below. Some organizations already practice these behaviors,
cultivating an environment in which managers and employees work
together creatively on issues such as scheduling. Others have
developed a more rigid and traditional approach.
As we suggest throughout the site, it is possible to do the bare
minimum. Businesses can comply with the requirements of the FFWO by
treating requests by the book and drawing on acceptable business
reasons to say “No” more often than not. It is also possible to
respect the genuine needs of both employees and the business and
collaborate for the best possible proposals.
The Mutual Respect standards and skills can be applied for superior
outcomes. Or they can be promoted and taught where needed to improve
the overall scheduling environment. For more detail on such
training, see the Rupert & Company
website. |
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Collaborating Through Mutual Respect
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► We avoid
assumptions Rethinking schedules requires
reexamining habits that block progress and
replacing them with more productive ones.
► We always pay
attention As managers consider requests for
change, it is critical to focus on real
possibilities and impacts – both gain and
loss.
► We listen
attentively & speak directly Clean, clear
communication is the heart of collaboration
and must go both ways for the best outcomes.
► We delegate and
develop fully This is an opportunity to redesign
the way work gets done. Shifting some duties
can allow development opportunities.
► We provide
feedback consistently There is no more important
practice in the request process and making
new schedules work than robust feedback.
► We resolve
conflicts respectfully Regular schedule changes
can lead to conflict, and everyone benefits
by simple skills that resolve them smoothly.
► We do what we
promise Collaboration without follow-through can
be as destructive as the inability to work
together. Commitments should be kept. |
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