Justifying Policies to Students and Employees

There seems to be a common culture of students and employees "questioning authority" instead of being intelligent and reasoning why rules and policies exist and abiding by them. I know as an employee, if I didn't like the culture of the job, I had the right to resign. If there was a serious issue, such as workplace harassment, I had a way to get the situation handled. If I had a personal struggle, there were employee assistance programs in place. Never once did I feel it was appropriate to become belligerent because I didn't like the rules or get into disagreements with my superiors as a student, educator or business woman about how stupid I thought the rule was.

Some rules are not fun. If a rule exists, it means someone, somewhere messed up and is causing issues for everyone else. If we were all respectful and responsible all of the time, there would be no need for rules or the law.

As a teacher, I continually remind students to do the right thing, but the big question is, what can we do with those who refuse? In the business world, before long, they tend to lose their jobs or quit. In school, students tend to fail, or worse, drop out altogether. Either way, retraining, re-educating and retention programs are costly on many levels. Wouldn't it be better for us all, especially with those who are frustrated with the system to find a better way?

Possible Answers:

• Superiors should examine the rules and see if they're all necessary.
• Employees and students should have handbooks of expectations and must agree to abide by the policies outlined therein.
• Employees and students need to know proper ways to handle grievances and problems that are genuine.
• We all need to stop whining and just do the right thing.
• If there is a rule or policy that infringes upon the safety and well-being of students or employees, there must be a way to restructure or remove it in a manner that is constructive for all parties involved.
• Remember, a job and an education, in most places in considered to be a privilege. In America, we consider equal education to be a right. However, educational systems cannot be all to everyone. The system should exist to benefit the greater good, and help everyone attain the skills necessary to leading a healthy, productive life. Happiness is a choice, not a promise. Rules and policies are to be followed as written (and enforced by those who are the gatekeepers) not by picking and choosing. Do the right thing, all the time. When you mess up, admit it, and don't do it again.

Do You Know the Rules?

The first step for success is to know both the written and implied (unwritten) rules for success.

I love this Legal Assistance site's list of frequently asked questions and their responses: http://www.larcc.org/pamphlets/children_family/rules_regulations_in_school.htm
Please note that this site's information was compiled in the state of CT and rules vary from state to state.

However, logic should be unvaried according to circumstances when it comes to responsibility and respect, and everyone should know your rights.

The Golden Rule: Used to be about "doing unto others" as you'd like to be treated. However, more are more I'm confronted with people who do not have a basic idea of what is appropriate. Their personal standards might be higher or lower than those they work with and complications result.

Mel's personal rule for success: Acting with respect and responsibility requires you to do the right thing every day, without reminders, even when no one seems to be watching. If you only follow policy when someone is watching, your integrity is lacking.

What are your rules for success?
-Mel.