Setting The Rules Of Engagement

Apr 27, 2016 1 Min Read
Alt

I’ve had the opportunity to work for managers (and with colleagues) who assumed I could read their minds, only to have them come down on me like a tonne of bricks when my sixth sense fizzled.

I’ve been guilty of this approach myself. I am not a mind-reader, and I doubt that you are either!

Articulating the rules of engagement sets you up for success, both on the good days when things are going well and, more importantly, during the turbulent times when many of us revert back to inappropriate behaviours (micromanaging, command and control, or passive aggressiveness, to name a few).

In Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationships I discuss four conversational strategies for developing allies at work. The most fundamental conversations are those that align expectations and articulate the rules of engagement. “How” we will work together, not just “what” needs to get done.

Rules of engagement could include the following steps:

  • Ensuring that the two parties are in agreement regarding the objectives to be achieved.
  • Agreeing on the levels of authority and decision-making responsibilities.
  • Articulating roles and responsibilities.
  • Understanding individual personality, communication, and decision-making styles, where these are in alignment and where they may be different, and the implications for how values and behaviours will be important to success
  • Meeting cadence – where and how often meetings will occur?
  • Escalation process – when and who to ask for help and provide warnings of impending disaster.
  • Feedback and coaching expectations.

Try these for your next project. By learning to set expectations, you gain clarity about who you can rely on for advice, and who can be a filter for tough decisions.

Your team will also know who can be called on when you don’t know how to solve a problem.

To learn how to set the rules of engagement with a client, email us at training@leaderonomics.com. For more How To articles, click here.

 
Reposted with permission on Leaderonomics.com.

Share This

Business

Alt
Morag is the best-selling author of Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationships and CEO of SkyeTeam, an international HR consulting and leadership development company. Her experience ranges from senior executive coaching to developing leaders and teams across Europe, America and Asia.

You May Also Like

Alt

Why WordPress is Great for Hotel Websites

In an ever-changing digital landscape, it is important for any hotel to have a strong online presence. A well-designed website can have a significant impact on your booking, customer satisfaction, and overall business success. Among the many website creation platforms, WordPress stands out as the best choice for hotel websites. That's why WordPress is great for hotel websites and how it can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Jun 13, 2024 4 Min Read

gossiping

The Leadership Solution to Gossiping

Managing Gossiping in the Workplace: What does it mean and how can you manage it better. Watch this amazing video

Sep 10, 2021 7 Min Video

Be a Leader's Digest Reader