RMI Resource Management Innovations

WWAFD; What Would Aretha Franklin Do?

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

–verb (used with object)

  • To hold in esteem or honor: (I cannot respect a cheat).
  • To show regard or consideration for: (To respect someone's rights).
  • To refrain from intruding upon or interfering with: (To respect a person's privacy).
  • To relate or have reference to.

I have to confess … even as a corporate guy and seasoned OD Practitioner … when I hear the word respect … it is Aretha Franklin that comes to mind. I love the original Motown tune, but I think it is her portrayal in The Blues Brothers movie as the wife of a diner owner, trying to protect her husband from Jake & Elwood Blues in their attempt to ‘put the old band back together’ that prompts a lasting visual. Very funny stuff.


The scene and the message are just so appropriate for the song … even if the Blues Brothers do take some liberty in their portrayal of it. Nothing too terribly cerebral about this particular story line … but it is Aretha’s lament that aligns heart & head. “All I’m askin” … the Queen of Blues belts out, “is for a little respect”.

Ever think about that? It seems at least some of us do. A quick Google search today nets 327 million hits. That’s a lot of data. It also seems the basis for a lot of ‘Anti'  movements. The absence of it, seems to cause no end of grief and suffering.



Not unlike our friend Rodney Dangerfield who would make a career lampooning “I can’t get no respect”.

Somewhere at the intersection of Motown and Hollywood … I think there is a fundamental truth that is at the heart of interpersonal relationships. One so common, that it hurts the worst when compromised … that we can all relate to as a broken trust. Respect it seems is one of those very elemental truths that as our cousins to the south would say “we hold to be self evident”. It should go without saying … but regrettably it can’t.

So it is with Employment Agreements. We have a responsibility to spell out not just what it is that must be done … but how it is I (as Overseer) require it to be done. It is the how, not the what that drives 83% of our employment attrition. People join companies, but they leave supervisors. I can’t help but think we have really let Aretha down?



Here is an example of the employment agreement we use at RMI … (so there is no misunderstanding) describing how it is we will respectfully engage each other in our day to day.

This is our actual working copy taken from our Conditions of Employment  that is intended to align and integrate our Vision (where are we going) with our Mission (how will we get there) ... Intentionally. It reads:

Individual Role & Responsibility:

The role and responsibility I fulfill is unique, and aligns directly with my Position Profile. As the position holder, my responsibility is to ensure that my day to day activities are limited to those which uphold operational goals, thereby playing an integral role in the realization of the RMI Strategic Plan. How I go about that is of great importance, it includes:

Work Thoroughness:
Work thoroughness is carrying out each task with excellence. Attention to detail is the difference between mediocrity and excellence in the work that we do. A job is never really done until it is done right.

Sensitivity in Work:
Be tender-hearted to others. Sensitivity is perceiving the feelings of others and adapting our response to them. Sensitivity is the communication of one sincere individual with another.

Respect: (Here it is ... don't miss it)

  • For Authority: Being mindful and respectful of those in authority, who hold the role and responsibility for overseeing my work.
  • For Others: In word and in deed, responding to my co-workers with courtesy and respect. Being full of grace. Encouraging. Forgiving. Honouring each relationship as it has been established.
  • Confidentiality: By the very nature of my work, I will come in contact with information regarding co-workers, clients and stakeholders of RMI as well as members of the public. Should that information (personal or corporate related) come to me by way of conversation, print or electronic media, I will treat it as confidential. I covenant to maintain confidentiality as directed, and I acknowledge that failure to do so may constitute a breach of my conditions of employment, and may result in disciplinary action, including the termination of my employment.
  • RMI appreciates its well earned reputation for integrity. A reputation which has been earned through the responsible actions of its Principal and Administrative Staff. Consistently applying these rules of conduct as outlined in this agreement, I will ensure that this reputation remains intact.
  • I am committed to conducting business within the context of legal, moral, ethical and stated corporate values.
  • When I become aware of actions that contravene RMI’s Conditions of Employment, I will promptly and confidentially advise the President.
  • Employees and members of their families should not have a financial interest in, or with, a supplier of RMI which has not been previously disclosed and determined to be proper.
  • Unless previously published and made public, all RMI records are to be considered confidential. I am prohibited from revealing such information without Executive authority. To prevent unauthorized disclosure, I am required to exercise great care in protecting the confidential information which is under my control.
  • While RMI discourages employees from accepting gifts from business suppliers, it does not rule out the acceptance of all gifts. I will not accept such gifts if in doing so would influence a business decision in favour of the company or person providing the gift. I may accept modest unsolicited gifts, favours or entertainment unless the acceptance of such gifts places me under obligation. Whenever I am uncertain as to the appropriateness of accepting a gift, the matter will be discussed with the person to whom I report.

As an employee of RMI, I understand and commit to the terms and conditions of this, my employment agreement. Signed & Dated: __________________________________



That is not to say that we never disappoint each other. But when we do … we have common terms of reference to address it. Over time, it becomes ‘the way we do things at RMI’. It does … and it has.

Ask us for a copy.

Cheers;

Rick @ RMI
 

Posted By: Rick Kneeshaw 2010/08/14
Categories: Ricks ~ Recipes