Partnership Teamwork Code of Conduct
A good team environment is characterised by a framework of respect to one another, open discussion of issues, collaboration and joint working. This type of spirit can be beneficial and rewarding if everyone communicates well and pulls their weight.
In a team environment, ideas are shared, tasks are divided or shared, and team consensus is required to act effectively when determining project scope and direction. Understanding and committing to this team spirit puts you in the right frame of mind for a teamwork environment.
Team members can find strength in diversity. Different people have different perspectives on issues, and that can be valuable for solving problems or generating new ideas. Being unable to understand why someone holds a viewpoint doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. Don’t forget that we all make mistakes, and blaming each other doesn’t get us anywhere.
We won’t all agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for disrespectful behaviour. We will all experience frustration from time to time, but we cannot allow that frustration become personal attacks.
An environment where people feel uncomfortable or intimated is not a productive or creative one.
Instead, focus on resolving issues and learning from mistakes. Differences of opinion and disagreements are mostly unavoidable. What is important is that we resolve disagreements and differing views constructively.
Some unacceptable behaviour that should be always be avoided include aggressive verbal or written abusive behaviour; interrupting; abruptness, shouting, sharpness or rudeness. Legitimate, constructive, friendly and fair feedback on a member of team member’s contribution or behaviour should be is not an unacceptable attitude.
The project team recognises that personalities, skills, knowledge, characters and management styles may differ but, notwithstanding these differences, as a minimum standard all team members are expected to:
- To always conduct themselves professionally.
- To speak respectfully to each other and positively recognize and thank each other for team contributions.
- To work co-operatively with others in order to achieve objectives.
- To be respectful of others' opinions and to recognize that in a team, there is not one single right way to approach a project.
- To treat other members of the team with courtesy and respect of their opinions, even if we do not necessarily agree with them.
- To make an effort to contribute at 100 percent, meet deadlines, and be willing to lend a hand to advance the team’s initiatives when needed.
- To make a full and fair contribution to the work of the project.
- When we agree to undertake a task that has been assigned to us by the team we must try work to the agreed deadline since failure to do so could impede the progress of the whole project
- We have the right, naturally, to challenge other’s opinions in a nonaggressive way.
- It is our responsibility to prepare and attend all meetings arranged by the team to advance the project, and to arrive at those meetings on time.
- If we can’t attend a meeting of the team we should consider providing your input in written form and giving this to the other group members before the meeting.
- All team members are equal; every team member’s opinion will be thoughtfully considered.