Do you have a personal code of conduct?
Have you ever thought about your own personal code of conduct?
Back in school there was a code of conduct – a set of rules or guidelines, established by the authority, to help us behave in ways which supported the good of all. Or at least the general good. The code always included things like “don’t cheat”, “treat others with respect”, “no running in the hall”. General behavioral guidelines.
What I’m talking about here is your personal code of conduct. The rules and guidelines you establish for yourself – to guide your own behavior and decision-making. To help hold yourself accountable. To help you know when you are “on purpose” and when you’ve wandered a bit.
As I was digging through some files in search of something else, I stumbled across my Personal Code of Conduct I wrote many years ago.
Back when I had a traditional job, I even had it posted on my office door, along with a note to visitors requesting that they help me live up to it.
As I look back I’m struck by how bold that was.
Talk about being transparent and setting yourself up for accountability!! I recall several occasions when people would hold me to it. It was a bit challenging, but when you put it out there that clearly and visibly, there’s nothing to do but chuckle and shift your behavior.
As personal growth professionals, it would make sense to have a personal code of conduct, wouldn’t it? In fact, it may be that the absence of a personal code of conduct is behind some of the challenges for our clients and readers…perhaps having our own code, and publicizing it freely, might be a good model to present.
I’ve included my code I stumbled across at the bottom of this post in case you’re interested.
I’ll be revisiting it to update it to make it more relevant to my life and business today, though I’m sure it will retain the lighthearted playfulness that helps me follow through and stay committed.
In the meantime, what is your personal code of conduct?
What agreements are you willing to COMMIT to with yourself?
What conduct do you want to hold yourself accountable for?
And how will you communicate that with others – or will you even share it?
Let me know what you come up with!
Nina!’s Code of Conduct
Everyday I will…
*Be more grateful than the day before
*Be loving and compassionate
*Have FUN!!!
*SPARKLE!
*Be curious and playful
*Be passionate
*Feel the fear – and do it anyway
*Experience absolute faith
*Step up and be a leader
*Take massive action
*Seek the lesson in every experience
April 1st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Hi Nina,
I’ve had similar thoughts in the past, and it actually led me to create a web-based tool for keeping track of such a personal code, and sharing it with others (if you want). I even named it Personal Code! I’m still working on it, and I welcome any feedback, so please try it out if you’re interested.
personalcode.net
Thanks,
Chadwick