Lords:Conduct and Qualities
Peerage Basic Rules of Conduct
Peers are expected to follow the below rules of conduct:
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. Last, everyone holding a billet in this organization is a volunteer regardless of the level they work at or amount of work they do. If they are in a Peer’s chain of command and the Peer is responsible for them, 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 discuss the issue.
Act in a professional, courteous manner in all you do. A Peer represents a very small percent 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. 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.
When in doubt, be nice.
Peer-Like Qualities
There are several qualities a Peer is expected to ascribe to. These will assist in their duties as a Peer and carry over into other organizational duties.
Honesty and Integrity
A Peer does all with honesty and integrity, and always stays 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, 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 feeling overwhelmed talk to someone, don’t just disappear and hope things will get better, because they never do.
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. A Peer 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, to include whether a Peerage Board or Court will be convened. Actions taken could include counseling or mentoring by the Lord Speaker or another Peer, censure, abeyance of the peerage, or removal of the peerage. This is covered in the section on Boards and Courts.