Code of Conduct

I recently had the opportunity to read a "Code of Conduct".  I know that these are common in our places of work.  I understand why we have them.  I believe they are developed with the best of intentions.  But what do they really say to us? 

"In light of the fact that:
-- we don't really trust that who you really are and what you will be bringing to this workplace is going to be incredibly valuable because it is an expression of who you really are; 
-- and because we spend a lot of time together and we are not very good at remembering, believing in, and expressing who we really are when someone is being different than us, which makes it harder for me to do my work;
-- and because others outside of our organization express their opinion about us when we are being different than what they like;
we are going to ask you  to promise to be very similar to how the rest of us are, so that our differences are tolerable.  We may or may not recognize that we will not be getting to know you, or all that you have to offer to this organization, but we are willing to sacrifice and lose that in order to remain safe." 

LOP Code of Conduct;
"In light of the fact that:
-- we have asked you to be a part of this organization, not only because we want to get this work done, but because we see the value of who you really are;
-- we realize that our differences may slow things down temporarily at times, but we also recognize that different styles, opinions, knowledge, and beliefs add immense value to the solutions and work that we are creating.
-- and because we are creating an example of how people can work together and create harmonious, mutually beneficial, and thriving atmospheres, we are willing to share our passion and integrity with those outside of the organization, and figure out ways for them to be contributing as well;
we are going to ask you to promise to be who you really are, as best you can, in every moment, so that the rest of us can learn from and benefit from what you bring to the table.  And we are excited to share the same with you.  Great things lie ahead because we have come together."

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."  John Lennon