Implementation Ethics – Rule #6
If you’ve ever implemented software, you’ve likely devised a few rules to follow. I mean, of course, you have. You can’t possibly aim to learn the same lesson repeatedly. However, one rule I try to follow in every implementation is easy to remember.
Rule #6: Don’t be an asshole.
The book “The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Ben Zander paints a picture of how to get out of your own damn way and lean toward possibility. For example, in one chapter, Rule Number 6 – the point is, “Don’t take yourself so g–damn seriously.” Note: I translated that rule to “Don’t be an asshole” to keep with my edgy, hipster persona.
The point is that you are bringing change to people that are all in different places with change. Some people may be anxious or unwilling to participate because it’s terrifying. Others may be in the middle, uncertain one way or the other. And even others may jump at the chance to try something new.
Try to treat everyone respectfully, as humans, and lighten up! Make the experience as fun as you can. Just as people most often leave their jobs because of the bosses they endure, people can choose to stay in a project based on the influence, positive or negative, of the lead Change implementer. You can decide to make this about power and control, or you can use an implementation that focuses on community building and is steeped in generosity and support. I hope you choose the latter. More importantly, the people who struggle with the change will also appreciate it.
References and Resources
Ben & Rosamund Zander – The Art of Possibility: For more on Rule Number 6 – I highly recommend the book “The Art of Possibility,” – especially in the Audiobook form.
Supporting Music
Honeybee by The Head and The Heart
Note: Originally posted November 30, 2017
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