Why Values Matter The Power of Values Governance

Why Values Matter The Power of Values Governance at Markham Public Library Cheryl Marcus Acting 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

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: l l ¢ 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. 2. 3. 4. Respect Communication Common Focus (Service) Teamwork

Staff Values Respect Empathy, courtesy, inclusiveness Examples: l Treat others as they would like to be treated l Be punctual at all times

Staff Values Communication Correcting 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 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 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. 2. 3. 4. Break down silos Improve morale & create a satisfying work environment Empower Staff 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Chosen freely Chosen among alternatives Chosen after examining consequences of each alternative Prized and Cherished Affirmed Acted Upon 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 Nancy Gillespie CEO, Markham Public Library Information Services – Angus Glen Branch Georgina Perrier David Dycke Borrower Services – Markham Village Branch D. G. Dycke Consulting

Additional Information For further information on starting the Values Governance Process at your Organization contact: David Dycke D. G. Dycke Consulting 416 368 -4399 416 995 -6300 daviddycke@mac. com To contact the Presenters: Cheryl Marcus Acting Branch Librarian 905 -513 -7977 x 2182 cmarcus@markham. library. on. ca Andrea Cecchetto Branch Librarian-Milliken Mills 905 -513 -7977 x 5342 acecch@markham. library. on. ca