Why Values Matter

Cheryl MarcusActing Branch Librarian, Markham Public Library – Unionville Branch

Andrea Cecchetto Branch Librarian, Markham Public Library – Milliken Mills Branch

Panelists: Catherine Biss, David Dycke, Nancy Gillespie, Georgina Perrier

The Power of Values Governance at Markham Public Library

Why Values Matter: Outline

Why Values?

What are Staff Values?

Using the Staff Values

Benefits of the Staff Values Process

The Co-creation of the Values: Choosing the Values The Values Champions

Our Values Panel: First-hand perspectives and experiences

Why Values Matter: Objectives

Provide an overview of self-management process through values governance

Describe a framework to initiate values governance

Outline process to enable staff to resolve interpersonal issues

Explain how ‘values’ increase collective accountability and ownership

Why Values? The MPL Experience

Identified need to address interpersonal issues and staff satisfaction

Create a united organization through values governance

Staff were asked to envision what it would take to achieve this - what would that organization be like?

What are the Staff Values?

The Four Values:

1. Respect

2. Communication

3. Common Focus (Service)

4. Teamwork

Staff Values

Respect Empathy, courtesy, inclusiveness

Examples: Treat others as they would like to be

treated

Be punctual at all times

Staff Values

CommunicationCorrecting insufficient communication; how to communicate

Examples: Provide and accept open, honest expression with

no fear of reprisal

Listen actively and probe for clarity

Staff Values

Common Focus (Service) All staff recognize that customer service is our common goal

Examples: Provide seamless service to customers

Discuss, share and implement best practices across the system

Staff Values

Teamwork Be supportive and accountable; helping one another and nurturing relationships

Examples: Commit to one team working together for the

betterment of the MPL system

Help one another, even when it is not one’s direct responsibility

Using the Staff Values

Staff Values are: Designed to aid in the resolution of

interpersonal issues by and between staff members

Code of conduct to guide daily behaviour

Staff-driven and co-created

Used to create a unified organizational culture

Using the Staff Values

Staff Values ARE NOT:

Management or Union driven A means of resolving performance issues An arbitration process EAP or HR initiative

Why Values Work

Values work because they are: 1. Staff-driven

2. Co-created

3. Observable

4. Championed by front-line staff at each work site (i.e. Values Champions)

5. Sustainable (e.g. monthly reviews)

Benefits of the Staff Values Process

Benefits:

1. Break down silos

2. Improve morale & create a satisfying work environment

3. Empower Staff

4. Increase accountability

The Co-creation Process

Staff describe the best possible working relationship – staff volunteered

Determine how that relationship can be describe in terms of values

Staff sign Declaration of Interdependence

Create Values Champions; provide training

Hold monthly meetings – front line staff only

The Co-creation of the Values: Choosing the Values

Features of the Staff Values:

1. Chosen freely 2. Chosen among alternatives3. Chosen after examining consequences of

each alternative4. Prized and Cherished5. Affirmed6. Acted Upon 7. Repeated

The Co-creation of the Values: The Values Champions

Who are the Values Champions?:

Members of staff – all levels Cross-section of talents Departmental representation Volunteers that believe in the process

The Co-creation of the Values:

The Values Champions

Characteristics and Qualifications:

Empathetic Impartial Approachable Supportive

The Co-creation of the Values:

The Values Champions

The Role of the Values Champions:

Act as facilitators, NOT problem solvers Promote and model values Provide orientation to new staff

The Co-creation of the Values: Employee Responsibilities

Employees have responsibilities too!

Declaration of Interdependence – Staff must do their best to live the values and to hold themselves and each other accountable for success

The Co-creation of the Values: Employee Responsibilities

Staff should:

Feel comfortable approaching Values Champions

Feel empowered to deal with their own difficult situations

Understand the role of the Values Champion

The MPL Values Panel: Experiences and Perspectives

Catherine Biss

CEO, Markham Public Library

Nancy Gillespie

Information Services – Angus Glen Branch

Georgina Perrier Borrower Services –

Markham Village Branch

David DyckeD.G.Dycke Consulting

Additional Information

For further information on starting the Values Governance Process at your Organization contact:

David DyckeD.G. Dycke Consulting416 368-4399 416 995-6300daviddycke@mac.com

To contact the Presenters:

Cheryl MarcusActing Branch Librarian905-513-7977 x2182cmarcus@markham.library.on.ca

Andrea CecchettoBranch Librarian-Milliken Mills905-513-7977 x5342acecch@markham.library.on.ca