John Banks. Photo / Greg Bowker
Applicants for jobs at Auckland City Council are being given detailed instructions on how to behave - including what to do if they disagree with policy.
A 22-page behavioural competency framework, which is also available on the council's website, says: "To achieve our vision for Auckland to become
a 'sophisticated, growing and vibrant international city with a soul' we need to take a journey from being a good organisation to becoming a great organisation."
GREAT is a council acronym for Giving a voice to everyone, Realising our potential, Enhancing our reputation, Acting collaboratively and Taking accountability.
The document describes a range of behaviour guidelines expected from staff, such as:
"deals with differences in people's styles, opinions, backgrounds and beliefs in ways that leave them feeling respected and valued"
"delivers powerful motivational feedback to others honestly and constructively to develop their confidence"
"addresses issues directly and constructively with others rather than talking about them behind their backs"
"publicly supports organisational decisions and initiatives, even if they hold a differing view, whilst debating the decision".
Despite the somewhat PC language, mayor John Banks refused to denounce the document.
He hadn't seen it, but when read excerpts by the Herald on Sunday, he said he agreed with the underlying values and philosophy.
"Whilst it's arguably couched in language I might not narrate, I don't resile from the concepts."
He said the document reflected the fact there was plenty of room for improvement at the council across the board, including himself.
"Having said that, not everyone needs to be improved. One would hope that everyone who works at Auckland City doesn't need such a document. I don't believe I need it, but it probably wouldn't hurt me to read it myself."
He said the framework was probably written under previous mayor Dick Hubbard but he couldn't guarantee similar documents weren't being created under his tenure.
"Who knows if someone in the bureaucracy is sitting in a cupboard with a computer as we speak."
