Bright Labs

These are the values to which people in the Bright Labs should aspire. ∗ Be friendly and welcoming. ∗ Be patient. Remember that people have varying communication styles and that not everyone is using their native language. (Meaning and tone can be lost in translation.) ∗ Be thoughtful. Productive communication requires effort. Think about how your words will be interpreted. Remember that sometimes it is best to refrain entirely from commenting. ∗ Be respectful. In particular‚ respect differences of opinion. ∗ Be charitable. Interpret the arguments of others in good faith‚ do not seek to disagree. When we do disagree‚ try to understand why. ∗ Be constructive. Avoid derailing: stay on topic; if you want to talk about something else‚ start a new conversation. ∗ Avoid unconstructive criticism: don't merely decry the current state of affairs; offeror at least solicitsuggestions as to how things may be improved. ∗ Avoid snarking (pithy‚ unproductive‚ sniping comments) Avoid discussing potentially offensive or sensitive issues; this all too often leads to unnecessary conflict. ∗ Avoid microaggressions (brief and commonplace verbal‚ behavioral and environmental indignities that communicate hostile‚ derogatory or negative slights and insults to a person or group). ∗ Be responsible. What you say and do matters. Take responsibility for your words and actions‚ including their consequences‚ whether intended or otherwise. People are complicated. You should expect to be misunderstood and to misunderstand others; when this inevitably occurs‚ resist the urge to be defensive or assign blame. Try not to take offense where no offense was intended. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Even if the intent was to provoke‚ do not rise to it. It is the responsibility of all parties to de-escalate conflict when it arises.