McGinn's 46 Rules
It only takes 46 rules to govern the behavior of Mayor Mike McGinn and his staff. The day before he took office, McGinn disseminated a list of 46 official rules for working in the mayor's office. Happiy, these rules for public servants are focused on public service -- #11 is Always remember we are here to serve the public, and #24 is You are an ambassador of the Mayor and the City of Seattle. There's a few we envy -- we could have really used #21 (Always try to make your co-workers look good), and #32 (Be cool. Don’t overreact & do the right thing.) in past workplaces. We've got the full list, via Publicola.
- Clean up after yourself
- Have Fun
- Don’t break any laws
- Help each other
- Listen
- Always work when volunteers are present
- Don’t pass the buck
- Start on time & end on time
- Share information
- Be careful what you write-everything is public
- Always remember we are here to serve the public
- Trust in the seaworthiness of your vessel
- Everybody works & helps
- Anticipate others’ needs
- Loose lips sink ships
- Be clear about from whose perspective you are speaking (on behalf of the Mayor or not)
- Elevate problems liberally
- Ask for help
- Don’t be the highest ranking person with a secret
- Keep the Big Picture in Mind
- Always try to make your co-workers look good
- Talk to each other
- Always thank each other
- You are an ambassador of the Mayor and the City of Seattle
- If you are on it, say you are on it
- If you say you are on it, You’re on it
- Take a pause for clarity
- Emphasize collaboration and team work
- Everyone is important
- Take time to think about how you can help others succeed
- Be Honest
- Be cool. Don’t overreact & do the right thing.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Be aware questions can be construed as orders
- Communicate openly
- Resolve conflicts early
- Pause (briefly) to celebrate successes
- Earn your taxpayer dollars
- Small actions have big meanings
- Have a “do-it-yourself” ethic
- Do more with less
- Treat everyone with respect, dignity and honor
- Treat adversaries with respect & disagree agreeably
- Challenge ideas, not people
- Make measurable goals
- Honor Diversity
Via Publicola.
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