Below are 10 commandments which are written in the form of applications for life.
1. Be organised – Personal organisation is a key capability component which contributes to effective operational management. Let us continue to plan effectively and keep our working standards high. Things like arriving at work on time, responding to emails promptly, planning and prioritising the to-do list, solving the problems on time, ensuring reduced or no double bookings, starting and finishing the meetings on time, not forgetting our promises, and more contribute to us being organised. Continue to maintain and use your calendars/ to-do lists/ organisers so that any overlaps, double bookings, delays or any possible overlooking can be avoided.
2. Focus on efficiency – To be efficient with what we do, two things play a key role - our attitude to work and desire to build our skills. Attitude will keep us self-motivated while skills will make us efficient and competent in what and how we do. When an axe is blunt, it takes more time and energy to cut a piece of log or a tree. But if it is sharp, the process becomes more efficient - lesser time and energy required. Hence acquiring relevant skills is key to become efficient in what we do. It will take less time and energy to carry out and finish tasks with high quality.
3. Be a good steward – Let’s continue to be good stewards of what we have been entrusted with, be it time, money, assets, or even relationships. Yes, relationships too! Here are some of the things which can be categorised as bad stewardship examples; spending time on personal tasks during work hours, spending a lot of time on social media (unless there is a real need), and going out on personal assignment during work hours, not keeping the doors closed when the AC is on, not turning the lights and fans off when you leave the room, investing on things that we won’t be using to the fullest of potential, etc.
4. Comply with organisational policies – Workplace policies establish boundaries for acceptable behavior and guidelines for best practices in all work situations. They offer clear communication to the employees as to how you expect them to act. Policies also contribute to the overall culture of the workplace, because they instill norms and values. As much as we often fight for our rights, responsibilities must be viewed with equal importance, and policies help us to be/ become responsible workers. Policies serve as a great platform for accountability.
5. Show extra care to finance practices – Always give fullest attention to budgetary control/ spending/ reporting. Transparency and accountability is key when it comes to finances. A lot of our personal values contribute to the way we handle finances whether at home or at work, and our bank statements reflect our priorities in life. For those who manage budgets, have the habit of keeping a closer look at expenditure against the budgets. Either overspending or under spending can be seen as a result of bad planning.
6. Become a champion for positivity – We all have an equal responsibility to create a positive and healthy working environment around us. Let’s build each other and not break each other. Negative associations withing the organisation is never a good thing. Though it might help us with some instant gratification, it will have a negative effect on the individuals and eventually on the organisation. On the contrary, positivity will have a constructive result. It will rather serve as a building block for personal as well as the organisation's success.
7. Maintain a good communication – Leaders, it's about communication. It's about honesty. It's about treating people in the organisation as deserving to know the facts. You don't try to give them half the story. You don't try to hide the story. You treat them as - as true equals, and you communicate and you communicate and communicate. Ensure the organisation's policies, decisions, changes and plans are clear communicated to the staff members at all levels and that every one is on the same page. Even within the team, it's good to keep each other posted on things as everyone in the organisation work towards one goal. In addition, always have the habit of acknowledging or responding to emails/ text messages/ phone calls that are work-related. Direct reports, ensure you share your struggles and challenges with your line manager. Seek help!
8. Stay loyal to the values and vision of the agency/ organisation – You should be loyal to the organisation and its vision first. Unless we see the organisation's vision as our own, we may not take ownership over the responsibilities we are entrusted with. This is where ones integrity is tested too.
9. Find divineness in your profession/ job role – The word Namaste/ Namaskar means "I bow to the divine within you". Whether if it is the beneficiary or colleague or stakeholder or client or funder, we ought to recognise the divineness in each other. When we manage to do that, we will be more respectful and appreciative of each other and their contribution to the common goal of the organisation. In the same manner, every job is an opportunity to create a better world for one another. Hence, there is nothing called sacred and secular.
10. Thrive to learn and develop – Last but not least, let’s not become complacent with where we are now in terms of our capabilities. Identify your deficits and access any opportunity that can enhance your skill set. If the axe is blunt it takes extra time and energy to finish a task with high quality.
This document is meant for the betterment of any organisation/ firm we work for and also for own personal development. Let us all continue to thrive to become better at what we do.