From 2164ad8c1f3ceed41d3a9d1d7aef91edf0435ee4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Ben Harris Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2021 17:27:07 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] add user_accountability.md committing on behalf of: @demure --- wiki/pages/user_accountability.md | 94 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 94 insertions(+) create mode 100644 wiki/pages/user_accountability.md diff --git a/wiki/pages/user_accountability.md b/wiki/pages/user_accountability.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4c46010 --- /dev/null +++ b/wiki/pages/user_accountability.md @@ -0,0 +1,94 @@ +--- +author: ~demure +published: true +title: Self Accountability +descripion: A User Guide to help with Self Accountability +category: + - main +--- + +# A User Guide to Self Accountability + +## Preface +> Everybody makes mistakes. +> Everybody has bad days. +> Everybody can grow. + +Stuff happens -- we all know this. +As part of a community it is key that we identify our mistakes and strive to not repeat them. + +Yes, this takes time, effort, and courage to: + +* identity issues +* figure out changes +* implement changes +* take accountability + +We all know that no one is perfect, and that self growth will take time; what is important is that *everyone* strives to better themselves. + +## Identifying Issues +### Self Identifying +Occasionally we are able to notice how a thing we have said or done is uncomfortable/insensitive in hindsight, or how it might have easily been taken in a way other than we meant it to be. + +If we notice in real time, we should give a correction and handle any [Small Stuff](#small-stuff), or escalate to more a more [comprehensive response](#outline). + +### External Identification +It can be difficult to self-evaluate, but in order for each of us to become better people, we have to remain self-critical in order to improve. +How can we do that? + +1. When someone in our community brings up discomfort or labels something that has been said as problematic, take a step back. +2. Do not take the community pointing out an issue as an attack. Instead, try to see it as a way to potentially improve. +3. Where does said discomfort come from? Is it from a place that we may not have sufficient knowledge? +4. Is this the first time this issue has come up? If not: + * Have there been different contexts? + * Why has this issue come up before? + * What's the root cause of this repeated discomfort? + +In general, if a handful of people take issue with our actions, this should be taken as a call to review what happened. + +If other members of the community seem to consistently remark upon a specific action or behavior, we should reevaluate it. + +## Outline +There are a few key points related to Self Accountability. While cases will vary, these five things are crucial to **Owning** our Issues: + +1. Acknowledge what happened +2. Acknowledge our involvement +3. Acknowledge why the issue was an issue +4. Acknowledge that we will work on changing +5. Apologize for the issue + +When we take Ownership of an issue by stating the above points, they don't necessarily need to be individual sentences. +ie: its fairly simple to acknowledge our involvement while identify what happened. + +## Accepting Responsibility +Once we have taken time to reflect on what has happened, we need to tell our fellow community members. + +Using the above [outline](#outline), make a statement and take Ownership of the issue. + +If this issue is somewhat personal, it is quite appropriate to to have one-on-one discussion(s) with those impacted. +If the issue was public, do try to make a short statement publicly anyway, so that others are aware that the issue is being worked on. + +### Small Stuff +Sometimes we can do Small Stuff. It's pretty quick an painless to say: + +"Oops, I'm sorry." + +Just be careful not to write everything off as small stuff. +A good rule of thumb is that if someone else has raised our actions as being an Issue, or if its become a Pattern of Behavior, don't treat it as Small Stuff. + +## Impact +### Why does all this matter? +We are all part of the community. +By Owning issues we are showing our fellow community members that we are aware of the issue, that we know a change is needed, and that we will work towards this change. + +### Goodwill +Change will take time. +By Owning an issue we will build Goodwill with our community, and they will be more willing to work with us as we work towards change. + +### Pattern of Behavior +Patterns of Behavior will impact how others chose to interact with us. +Consistent repeats of the same issues will drain [Goodwill](#goodwill), and will result in a lack of leeway. +Building up Goodwill gives us more leeway and understanding for occasional blunders. + +## Closing +Change is hard -- but we must try.