Manage like a Hockey Mom

Manage like a Hockey Mom

But in a good way

(An extract from Uncle Ralph’s Random Ramblings in Part V of DON’T DO IT THE HARD WAY – 2020 Edition)

Hockey games are always exciting and entertaining, whether it’s the NHL or kids in minor hockey, and they often provide inspiration and ideas applicable beyond the hockey rink.

At a grandson’s Peewee hockey tournament in Montreal, the welcome brochure included the Quebec Hockey Association’s Code of Ethics for Parents (also useful for grandparents) to encourage responsible behaviour and allow both players and their parents to simply enjoy the game.

In reading it, I realized it could be adapted as a useful guide for business owners and managers. Here is my adaptation.

The Code of Ethics for Entrepreneurs

As a business owner and responsible manager, I recognize that I have the potential and the opportunity to make an important contribution to the personal development and well-being of the individuals who choose to work with me and I accept that as a priority over “winning the game.”

I will therefore ensure my conduct continually demonstrates the following principles:

I understand that my employees are here for their benefit and pleasure, not mine.

1. I consider winning as part of the pleasure of playing the game; I will not exaggerate the pain of failure; and I will recognize errors as a necessary part of the learning experience.

2. I will respect the efforts and the decisions of the supporters and supervisors and of the outside authorities responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations. I will do my best to understand and accept the rules and regulations applicable to my business.

3. I will recognize and respect good performance on the part of any individual employee, as well as that of the individuals on competing teams.

4. I accept each individual’s limitations and will not project my own ambitions or unreasonable expectations upon anyone. My expectations will be appropriate to the qualifications, experience and training of each individual.

5. I will demonstrate and expect from all employees a reflection of the important values of respect, discipline, effort and loyalty.

6. I will not encourage or tolerate any level of personal harassment, conflict or aggressive behavior.

7. I will encourage and support the personal development of skills and capabilities for every individual.     

Good advice from responsible hockey moms.

(I do notice that a lot gets ignored during the playoffs when winning is everything, but that’s another issue for a future article. Meanwhile, the hockey analysts are all over it.)

Be better. Do better.  As a responsible hockey parent and as an enlightened entrepreneur.

Del Chatterson, your Uncle Ralph

Learn more about Enlightened Entrepreneurship at: LearningEntrepreneurship.com Read more of Uncle Ralph's advice for Entrepreneurs in Don't Do It the Hard Way & The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Business Plans - 2020 Editions.

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