Editing Encyclopedia:Administrators (section)

=== Administrator conduct ===
{{policy shortcut|WP:ADMINCOND}}

Administrators should lead by example and, just like ''all editors'', should behave in a respectful, civil manner in their interactions with others at ''all times''. Administrators are not exempt from ''any'' of Wikipedia's [[WP:PG|established policies]]; they are expected to follow them and perform their duties to the best of their abilities. Occasional mistakes are entirely compatible with the use of the administrator toolset; administrators are not expected to be perfect. However, sustained or serious disruption of Wikipedia through behavior such as [[WP:CIVIL|incivility]] or [[WP:BADFAITH|bad faith editing]] is incompatible and a ''direct conflict'' with the expectations and responsibilities of administrators, and consistent or egregious poor judgment may result in the removal of administrator tools. Administrators should strive to model high standards of courtesy and civility, and their edits, discussions, interactions, and conduct should set the example for all other editors and at ''all times''. This is both a ''requirement'' and ''a condition'' with holding administrator privileges.<ref>See principles in several arbitration committee cases: [[Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/C68-FM-SV#Decorum and civility|Decorum and civility]], [[Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Daniel Brandt deletion wheel war#Expectations and role of administrators|expectations and role of administrators]], [[Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Allegations of apartheid/Proposed decision#Responsibility of administrators|responsibility of administrators]], and [[Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/InShaneee#Administrators|administrators]]</ref>

Administrators should bear in mind that they have hundreds of colleagues. Therefore, if an administrator cannot adhere to site policies and remain civil (even toward users exhibiting problematic behavior) while addressing a given issue, the administrator should bring the issue to a noticeboard or refer it to another administrator to address, rather than potentially compound or escalate the problem with poor conduct.