7 Random Thoughts on Standards

I've written about how core values are one of the easiest places for leaders to begin setting standards. What I didn't mention is that core values are standards in the first place, and communicating that (over and over and over) strengthens the likelihood that team members will take them seriously.

How do you build an emotionally intelligent team, organization, or company? You establish behavioral standards based on emotional intelligence (EI). That requires a collective understanding of what EI is, how to practice it in the workplace, and using a common language to build alignment.

Speaking of emotional intelligence standards, which ones have you set for yourself? How do you listen when people are with you? Are you able to create space between stimulus and reaction so that the latter becomes a response? How frequently do you ask for feedback? Do you make decisions based on your values and purpose? How do you know when to respond with empathy and when to respond with compassion?

I recently had a Zoom meeting with an acquaintance I hadn’t spoken with in over 10 years. The topic of standards came up and he asked an interesting rhetorical question as it relates to setting them, both in the workplace and in the home: “Will we be better with this standard?” I’ve been noodling on that ever since our chat, and it led me to conclude that “make things better” must be a standard for me when I’m setting new standards.

Many of you know the standards for your company, team, and/or job. If you don’t, ask. Leaders are accountable and responsible to set them. Each of us is responsible to learn and know them. And all of us are responsible to follow them.

When standards aren’t met, we have the power to do something about it. When expectations aren’t met, that power is in someone else’s hands.

When it comes to sales pitches, investor presentations, and performance reviews, preparation is a common standard. Just because those are "higher stakes" meetings doesn't mean that standard should only apply to them. Such meetings are held less frequently than others (huddles, product reviews, town halls, project retros, 1:1s, etc.) so imagine, if you applied the same preparation standards to all those, what those meetings might be like.