Before you implement policies, consider:
- Is this a black and white issue that will not require any exceptions?
- Is this policy likely to be broken often because, while it controls a bad thing, it inhibits another good thing?
- Am I creating a policy because it will keep me from having tough conversations?
When policies are necessary:
- When the policy is necessary to be compliant with a power higher than you, i.e. the law. Implement policy when it’s necessary to make sure your team understands and is compliant with the law. For example, we have policies for expense report filing, “duty to report” circumstances, and safety.
- When you face a repeated issue that doesn’t have many variables. We have a vacation policy so that we are consistent with each staff member and accountable to those who fund our salaries through their giving.
How are you managing the tension of policies vs. filters? It’s another tedious grey leadership issue!
