Why Values Matter 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 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 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 ones 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 alternatives 3. Chosen after examining consequences of each alternative 4. Prized and Cherished 5. Affirmed 6. 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 Dycke 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 To contact the Presenters: Cheryl Marcus Acting Branch Librarian x2182 Andrea Cecchetto Branch Librarian-Milliken Mills x5342