User:Stephen Ewen/Tips for new constables

Constables represent the Citizendium and are often the "first face" of the project that people "see". First impressions can be lasting. 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 collaborative wiki. Constables should be mindful 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.

Attitude, demeanor, etiquette

Constables are servants first, and rules enforcers second

Attitudinally and in their demeanor, constables should view themselves as servants first, 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 problems, please refer to parties by earned title, if applicable, even if in other contexts you would refer to that person by their first name. Mr. or Ms. may also be appropriate for persons without earned titles. This serves to promote a professional working environment and helps the constable to have a due but not overly due regard of persons while resolving problematic behaviors.

Wording of disciplinary actions

Frame disciplinary actions thusly, when 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 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.
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.

Although most people intuitively take this approach while resolving problems, it is helpful to see it reasoned out in this manner. Constables should avoid giving curt messages such as, "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," which often engenders defensiveness rather than responsible behavior.

One constable per incident

For both perceptual and practical reasons, constables should strictly avoid "ganging up" at the site of a problem. Probably without exception, one constable per incident is sufficient. If a request for a constable has been made to constables@citizendium.org, the responding constable should email a brief note, "I got this", "I will resolve", or the like, and actions be left to the first-responding constable. A follow-up email by the responding constable summarizing action taken would be helpful.

Keeping the "balance of power"

When acting as a constable, act only as a constable

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