Tactical Tip #6: Consistency is Key

Treating people consistently is critical for building strong teams.

• While individual situations deserve consideration, avoid the appearance of favoritism.
• Time off for family responsibilities, educational commitments,  community service and health issues should be administered fairly.
• Rewarding people for hanging around after hours is a close cousin of 'teacher's pet.'
• Project leaders and supervisors need to work extra hard to understand staff who have different work styles.
• Team members need to appreciate others whose assignments require extra time or specialized skills.
• We all worry that "Mom loves you best", whether its an individual or another work group.
• Perception of more resources, less consequences, higher visibility or a separate set of rules breeds hostility and undermines productivity.

Written personnel policies and procedures, while appearing to stifle flexibility, can encourage conversations and avoid misunderstandings.