I’m always telling supervisors that it’s important to outline their expectations and set the tone from the beginning, and Joe Biden provided a good example of what that looks like. As he virtually welcomed his incoming staff, he’s reported to have told them: “If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone, I promise I will fire you on the spot. On the spot. Everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity.”
We too often assume that staff understands what is important to us but it is far more prudent to be crystal clear about your values. By sharing what behavior is and is not acceptable it helps everyone know the norms of your culture and how to be successful.
Even if it’s not your first day, it’s never too late to get everyone on the same page. Spell out your expectations – and then hold yourself and others accountable to them.
