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The #dominiccummings situation is a strong example of a group norm at play, the response of the group or the erosion of standards when they're not maintained.
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Thread 1/8
Norms are the generally established standards of behaviour maintained by a group or society.
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Here the prime minister lays out the required actions (2:14 in), why these need to be adhered to and the consequences through law (3:10 in) and the broader responsibility to each other (6:16 in)
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Our work with teams shows that for a norm to work for the greater good, it has to be;
- clear as to what's required
- agreed by everyone
- what the benefit is
- consequence
They're not easy to create for teams, but the pandemic norms were clear and absolute.
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- clear as to what's required
- agreed by everyone
- what the benefit is
- consequence
They're not easy to create for teams, but the pandemic norms were clear and absolute.
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The two mechanisms that help maintain norms a) to reward and praise behaviour that aligns and fosters the norm; b) consequence applied if the norm is broken.
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5/8
Re, consequence, this standard must be maintained by the leader, but if it isn't it can be maintained by the group by calling it out. If it isn't managed by the boss, it presents two options to the group...
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6/8
1) the group can say, "I'm not doing it, because you're not doing it" (erosion of standards)
2) or more effectively, "We're still living by the norm, the consequences HAVE to be applied" (upholding standards and undermining leadership)
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2) or more effectively, "We're still living by the norm, the consequences HAVE to be applied" (upholding standards and undermining leadership)
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This is why leaders need to live to the highest standards of behaviour, why norms have to be agreed upfront and consequences.
'Stay at home' is a norm, the norm was maintained by most, it's been contravened. Will there be a consequence, an erosion of standards or will the group uphold the norm?
