Lords:Conduct and Qualities
Peerage Basic Rules of Conduct
Peers are expected to follow these rules of conduct:
Act in a professional, courteous manner in all you do.
A Peer represents a very small percentage of the organization who have been bestowed a high honor. A Peer is always “on” in whatever they do and what they do reflects on the rest of the House of Lords and TRMN. In particular, a seated Peer should ensure they remain professional while engaging in the business of the House. A Peer being intentionally contentious or petulant in tone while conducting the business of the Lords is not in keeping with that spirit of professionalism. A Peer represents the best TRMN has to offer and should act accordingly.
Words and actions have power.
Use them wisely. Always remember that what is said and how it is said has power and sets a standard. Other members may look to a Peer to see what is appropriate. Use clear, effective communication, whether it is in person, online, or in written communication. Don’t assume a “tone” or meaning to someone’s communication. Always assume the best out of someone rather than assuming the worst.
Don’t complain about or criticize the actions of others in public.
We all love to complain when we think something should be done differently or something is wrong. A Peer should never complain about something in a public venue. If there is a genuine issue with something, take it to a private setting. If there is a strong feeling about something, a Peer should develop a proposed solution and present it for consideration. Step up and be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Additionally, everyone in this organization is a volunteer regardless of the level they work at or amount of work they do. One’s status as a Peer means that one’s actions and words come under greater scrutiny and they shouldn’t use this to skip the chain of command. If a Peer holds another billet and needs to give feedback to a member who is in that Peer’s chain of command and for whom the Peer is responsible, remember to always praise in public and correct/criticize in private. If they are not in the Peer’s chain of command, contact their chain of command in private, to give the feedback.
When in doubt, treat others how you would wish to be treated.
People all have their unique needs and boundaries, Peers included. But a Peer should aspire to treat people well, this doesn’t mean that they have to do everything someone asks, or solve all of someone’s problems, but where possible it is good to help someone or steer them to a superior or a resource that can help them as well.
Peer-Like Qualities
There are several qualities a Peer is expected to ascribe to. These qualities will assist in their duties as a Peer and carry over into other organizational duties. Peer-like qualities include, but are not limited to the list below. These qualities should be considered the minimum that a Peer should maintain.
Honesty and Integrity
Peers are expected to do everything with honesty and integrity, and always stay true to themselves. The House does not stand for lying, cheating, or low moral conduct in a Peer.
Inspire Others
A Peer must act in all they do to inspire others to be like them. They must be positive in all they do. Negativity only begets more negativity and doesn’t help anyone, so avoid it at all costs.
Commitment and Follow Through
If a Peer agrees to do something, they must do it. Just because this is a volunteer organization doesn’t mean a Peer can “flake out” and not do what they committed to do. If help is needed or you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Don’t just disappear and hope things will get better, because they never do. It is much better to recognise that an issue is beyond your own capacity or skills and ask for help, rather than leaving an issue to fester for fear of losing face. In particular it is good practice to go back to the person you made the commitment to and raise that you are having an issue, we all recognise we’re volunteers and real life can get in the way. This isn’t to punish a peer when a real life emergency takes place, but to avoid overloading yourself and if you have then ask for help from others who can support you.
Responsibility
A Peer should always take responsibility for their actions. They should listen to feedback and learn from it; and not try to shift the blame to someone or something else.
Empathy
Connect with other members and attempt to understand them and where they come from.
Humility
Don’t be threatened by others. Peers should be confident in themselves and their actions but recognize they don’t know everything and can make mistakes. Give credit where credit is due. Learn from others and always work to improve yourself.
Code of Conduct
TRMN’s Code of Conduct, provided below, is intended to promote a respectful and efficient environment in the organization and protect the rights of all members. Peers are expected to know and abide by the Code of Conduct at all times and in all they do.
- I will respect the rights of all members.
- I will never let personal or societal prejudices color my interactions with other members.
- I will strive to never bring dishonor upon the Royal Manticoran Navy or its subgroups.
- I will maintain an appearance appropriate to my duties and never bring dishonor to the uniform.
- I will treat those who report to me with dignity.
- I will respect those to whom I report.
- I will abide by the Official Secrets Act.
- I will strive to defuse confrontations, not cause them.
- I will be the first to offer praise, and always the last to criticize.
- I will always praise in public and criticize in private.
- I will always work to be part of the solution, never the problem.
Violations
If a Peer violates the Rules of Conduct or goes against the Peer-like Qualities described herein, the Lord Speaker will determine what action will be taken, including whether a Peerage Board or Court will be convened. Actions taken could include counselling or mentoring by the Lord Speaker or another Peer appointed by the Lord Speaker, censure, abeyance of the peerage, or removal of the peerage. This is covered in the section on Boards and Courts.