User:Stephen Ewen/Tips for new constables

Constables represent the Citizendium and are often the "first face" of the project. It is therefore essential that constables professionally represent Citizendium while resolving problems. New contributors particularly may meet up with constables, particularly if they are new from Wikipedia and lack full understanding of how Citizendium differs. The same may be equally true of Citizendium members with little or no experience on any wiki. Constables should keep in mind that new Citizendium members may initially make an innocent mistake or two.

As the Citizendium Constabulary has evolved, certain conventions of constable conduct have informally developed. This page attempts to summarize them, particularly for new constables.

Attitudes, demeanor, etiquette

Constables are servants first, and rules enforcers second

Attitudinally and in their demeanor, constables should view themselves first as servants, and enforcers of rules second. This does not diminish their role or effectiveness as rules enforcers but augments it. Again, constables represent the Citizendium and are often the "first face" of the project that others "see". Tact, diplomacy, and a certain sensitivity are essential.

Use of titles while resolving behavior problems

When resolving disputes, please refer to disputants by title, if applicable, even if in other contexts you would refer to that person by their first name. Firstly, this serves to promote a professional working environment, and secondly, it helps the constable him or herself to not have regard of persons while resolving behavior problems.

Wording disciplinary actions

Word disciplinary actions thusly, if possible:

1. Praise - even if it is not perfectly "deserved"
2. Action(s) taken and consequences if repeated - based in guidelines/policies, of course
3. Reason for the rule - we want to not only enforce rules but morally persuade concerning them
4. Encouragement - to change behavior

Example:

1. I very much appreciate the hard work you have been doing.
2. However, your action X is innapropriate per such-and-such guideline (provide link) and I have taken action Y and must take action Z in the future if it continues.
3. Standards of professional behavior serve to create a working environment that people find friendly, thus maximizing outputs.
4. I encourage you to continue contributing with this in mind.

Resulting in:

I very much appreciate the hard work you have been doing. However, your action X is inappropriate per such-and-such guideline (provide link) and I have taken action Y and must take action Z in the future if it continues. Standards of professional behavior serve to create a working environment that people find friendly, thus maximizing outputs. I encourage you to continue contributing with this in mind.

Keeping the "balance of power"

When acting as a constable, act only as a constable

Although constables may also be authors, editors, or both, when performing their constabulary duties they must avoid making statements about content. This is corollary to the Checks on constables.