Fundamental 9: Take responsibility for yourself in the workplace.

9) Take responsibility for yourself in the workplace. Before you go to work for an organization, talk to your potential employer about the difficulties that might accompany the job. Be sure to determine:

• what information can and cannot be disclosed to consumers and other clients of the organization;
• what level of advocacy you can engage in without fear of repercussions; and,
• what kinds of accommodations can and cannot be made for your special circumstances (e.g., health care and other needs).

Once you have been hired, learn the organization's policies, procedures, and rules of the workplace.

It is your responsibility as an employee to learn as much as possible about the workplace. Even though the consumer movement is increasing, most employers have not had a consumer in a paid staff position. Often they have not anticipated the special challenges that are inherent in the situation. Nor have they thought through the best way to orient consumers to the expectations and culture of the organization.

A number of issues can be discussed more honestly and forthrightly before you sign on as an employee. Think about the kinds of things that will be important for you to fulfill your consumer role. Can you still be a “squeaky wheel” once you are an employee? What is the best way to bring your concerns to someone's attention? Who should you talk with if an ethical dilemma or problem presents itself? Is there enough flexibility within the organization and your job responsibilities to accommodate your or your child's health needs? Be open and honest with your questions.

Each person will have a different list of questions and concerns. It is important to identify and address the issues that may affect your individual performance and your ability to succeed in the workplace. In large measure, your effectiveness may depend on this kind of up-front conversation.

Once you become an employee, request a thorough orientation. This is especially important if you have never before held a job. Ask for your organization's performance guide and if there is an ethics policy. Also request a copy of the personnel manual that sets forth the rights and responsibilities of employees. These manuals are very explicit about what is acceptable in the workplace. Request that someone go through them with you. People who have been in the workforce for many years forget how complex the rules and behavioral expectations can be. Or they may just assume that new employees know. It is up to you to take the responsibility to ask for information and training.

For Example...
A national advocacy group approached Stella about becoming their consumer spokesperson. Stella was very interested. She admired their work and the prospect of a steady salary was very appealing. However, Stella had an issue she wanted to settle before she took the job. She arranged to meet with Damien, the director of the organization.

Stella often spoke at conferences about her experiences with the health care system and enjoyed it enormously. She wanted to maintain the flexibility to accept speaking offers when they came along. She also wanted to be able to accept the honorarium that was offered for these speaking engagements. Damien had first met Stella at a conference where she was a speaker so he understood the power and importance of her request. But he also had to be able to count on Stella to do the work of the organization if she was an employee. They agreed that Stella would have two days each month to accept speaking engagements. On those days she would operate as a private consultant and be able to accept the honorarium that was offered. Her salary and benefits would be pro-rated for those days. They also agreed that Stella would notify Damien well-in-advance of any days she would be out of the office.

Stella's example may seem straightforward. But if she had not raised the issue with Damien before she went to work for him it could have become very difficult. And Stella might have found herself in a much more complicated situation. Be direct about your concerns that relate to the work you will be doing and about the issues that are important to you. That approach will help you head off problems before they begin and help improve your effectiveness.