How we work together (practical, not aspirational)

What this is

A one-page shared norm that supervisors and staff can explicitly agree to.
It sets mutual expectations and reduces ambiguity.

How we work together

Authority & Decisions

  • Supervisors decide; staff inform and advise.
  • Decisions are named and documented.

Information Flow

  • Staff surface risks early.
  • Supervisors explain priorities and tradeoffs.

Ownership

  • Tasks have one owner.
  • Help does not equal ownership unless stated.

Feedback

  • Feedback is continuous.
  • No surprises at evaluation time.

Credit & Accountability

  • Credit is shared.
  • Supervisors absorb blame upward.
  • Errors are fixed, not weaponized.

Growth & Fairness

  • Everyone can improve.
  • Opportunities are rotated and explained.
  • Favoritism is avoided.

What we will not do

  • Compete internally for visibility
  • Withhold information
  • Publicly blame
  • Rely on silence
  • Assume intent instead of clarifying

This norm is operational. If we violate it, we name it and correct it.