Code of Conduct
Book Sprints Ltd is committed to creating an environment where all participants feel safe and included and where productivity and collaboration can flourish.
The code of conduct is a set of guidelines to establish shared values and avoid behaviors that may harm the integrity of the group or the completion of the book.
The Code of Conduct is a baseline of the facilitation service provided by Book Sprints Ltd, and part of the contractual agreement. It should be read and acknowledged by all participants. In addition, the facilitator will brainstorm with the participants to develop a shared agreement for productive meetings, unique to the group, at the start of the Book Sprint.
Respect for the diversity of voices in the room
What unites the participants in a Book Sprint is the shared goal of collaboratively producing knowledge in the form of a book. Everyone contributes with their own perspectives, ideas and expectations, which are key aspects to a collaborative creation process. All questions and alternative opinions are valid and must be received respectfully.
Create a safe and respectful environment
Participants commit to no comments or behaviour that encourage discrimination related to gender, gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, sexual characteristics, physical appearance, disability, or age. This includes any derogatory jokes or references - even if these are normalised in the participants’ working environment. Our common goal is to secure an environment of respect and safety, where all participants can trust that their voices are heard.
Respect for intellectual property
Participants commit to only using content, written and otherwise, that is either original in nature, or that the participants own, or are lawfully authorized to use and that will not breach or infringe the statutory, common law or Intellectual Property rights of any third party. Copying or paraphrasing content without proper citation will not be tolerated. In the case that this is discovered, the facilitator may give out a first warning, and eventually may ask the participant to leave the process to ensure the integrity of the group of authors and the resulting book.
Respect for shared authorship
Books written in Book Sprints do not have single authors or chapters attributed to individuals. The content of the book is collaboratively written and collectively owned by the group. Participants commit to respecting the shared nature of the authorship and the contributions of all participants.
The role of the facilitator
The facilitator is a central figure, empowered by the group to guide the participants and coordinate the team efforts. Our facilitators are specially trained in the Book Sprints method. They work closely with the group to understand their expectations and provide the space and guidance to support the group to produce the desired outcome. They remain impartial towards the diverse positions expressed in the group and the content they create. The facilitators aim to establish a shared vision amongst the group and a commitment from everyone to achieve it in 5 days. For this to be successful, it is imperative that the role of the facilitator is respected and not undermined by personal agendas or preferences.
What happens if there is a breach of the code of conduct?
We ask all participants, including the organiser, to agree to the Book Sprints’ Code of Conduct. We take the Code of Conduct as seriously as we take the services we provide and our client’s expectations. If the facilitator becomes aware of a breach of conduct, they will act in the group’s best interest and either mediate between the parties involved, or give out a warning, or even ask a participant to leave the process. This will ideally be done in consultation with the organiser. Should the code be violated, we will follow the intervention procedures in the order described below, in cases where the previous procedure does not offer a solution:
- Deliberation between the facilitator and the paying organiser;
- Deliberation between the paying organiser and the Book Sprints project manager;
- The best effort of both parties to find an external ad hoc mediator;
- Decision of the facilitator and the Book Sprints project manager to cancel the continuation of the Book Sprint; Book Sprints will keep the prepayment, but will not invoice the second payment.
- In persistent cases of offence, aggression, or any kind of threat to personal integrity, legal measures will be taken.
If a participant becomes aware of a breach of conduct, they can share their concern with the facilitator. Alternatively, a participant may talk to the organiser, or the Book Sprints management team in Berlin via contact@booksprints.net.