When I started working, I thought that most work rules are defined in policies, procedures, and work instructions. They are often found in a manual are more often than not are used as a doorstop.
So, how do work place develop rules for work. Implicit rules are important as the rules that are written down.
- Process rules are how work gets done in a company. Process rules outline the flow of work, resources, ideas, monies, and other mission critical assets. Process rules are usually horizontal cutting across vertical silos.
- Functional rules are the rules of the work silos of the organization. These rules can be functionally, service, or location based. For example, engineering, accounting, finance, are each a vertical that may have its own rules.
- Implicit rules are the unwritten rules of work. They can be as common sensical as, demonstrating good etiquette and politeness at work. The list of implicit rules is vast and can’t be complete lists in an organization. As well, implicit rules can change from employer to employer and from function to function even within an organization.
Life Lesson Earned: The real world of work has mushy and ambiguous rules. As much as possible, try to decipher and learn them. If you’re new to the organization, find a mentor.