1 Values in the Workplace NCASFAA/SCASFAAFALLCONFERENCE November 6-8, 2006 Brad Barnett Senior Associate Director James Madison University Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships Harrisonburg, Virginia

2 Objectives Discuss the role values play in our individual lives Discuss the role values play in our individual lives Review the importance of values in the work place Review the importance of values in the work place Learn how one office established a set of values Learn how one office established a set of values

3 Values – What Are They? Gaining Value From Values (Successories Library) “Values are widely held beliefs that guide behavior and help us determine what really matters; they assign importance to our goals, our actions, our relationships, and even our attitudes.” Robert J. Klein

4 Personal Story

5 Values & Beliefs The ABC’s of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) A = Activating EventA = Activating Event B = Belief (values)B = Belief (values) C = ConsequenceC = Consequence Albert Ellis, PhD

6 History of Values Matthew 6:21 Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Written in A.D Written in A.D

7 Individual vs. Group Values Is it important for everyone in your work place to have the same individual values? Is it important for everyone in your work place to have the same individual values? Do you have to change your values to survive at work? Do you have to change your values to survive at work? Do you REALLY know what your co- workers value? Do you REALLY know what your co- workers value?

8 Learning About Values Question: Unless the values of the workplace are explicitly defined, how do you find out what your place of employment values?

9 Learning About Values Answer: You mess up!

10 Can You See The Values In Action?

11 Remember the Titans Observe how powerful their beliefs are in driving them to be who they are Observe how powerful their beliefs are in driving them to be who they are What values do you see displayed What values do you see displayed How easy is it to pick out the values in your work place How easy is it to pick out the values in your work place Is it important that everyone on a team have the same values to succeed Is it important that everyone on a team have the same values to succeed

12 Clip Review - What Did You See? Others: SelfishnessSelfishness Integration (diversity)Integration (diversity) RespectRespect Hard workHard work LeadershipLeadership CollaborationCollaboration TrustTrust Many moreMany more Displayed at beginning of movie: Strength Strength Unity Unity Courage Courage Pride Pride Brotherhood Brotherhood How easy is to see what values are important in your workplace?

13 JMU & Financial Aid Office James Madison University Approximately 16,000 students, of which 15,000 are undergraduates Primarily year olds who graduate high school, enroll full-time in college, and complete college in 4-5 years Male = 40% & Females = 60% In-state = 70% & Out-of-state = 30% Financial Aid (scholarships & student employment) 22 full-time staff 1 part-time staff 18 student workers

14 How Did JMU’s Aid Office Do It? Together! (no mandates) Together! (no mandates) Away from the office (retreat) Away from the office (retreat) 8 hour retreat that culminated with a 1 ½ hour period to determine values 8 hour retreat that culminated with a 1 ½ hour period to determine values Had a clear understanding of our mission Had a clear understanding of our mission

15 Mission Statement Recognizing our responsibility for continuous improvement and for the overall education and development of our students, we will ASSIST with identifying and obtaining resources to finance higher education; DELIVER funds in a timely and equitable manner; and EDUCATE, so that informed financial decisions can be made.

16 Establishing Values Divided office into five groups Divided office into five groups Asked each group to develop a list of things that are important to them in the workplace Asked each group to develop a list of things that are important to them in the workplace Each group reported back to the larger group and discussion ensued Each group reported back to the larger group and discussion ensued

17 Establishing Values continued Learned that each small group had almost the exact list (the chosen value or a synonymous word) Learned that each small group had almost the exact list (the chosen value or a synonymous word) We started looking for five values, but decided to select six because of the overwhelming majority not to cut one out We started looking for five values, but decided to select six because of the overwhelming majority not to cut one out

18 Establishing Values continued Once the six values were chosen, the small groups went into action again to define the value (the 6 th definition was decided through discussion) Once the six values were chosen, the small groups went into action again to define the value (the 6 th definition was decided through discussion) The definition was reported to the larger group The definition was reported to the larger group

19 Office Values The six core values adopted by the office were developed by the entire staff as part of the strategic planning process: Trust – To be confident that you, your co- workers, and your leaders believe in one another’s abilities; necessary to foster positive and productive working relationships.Trust – To be confident that you, your co- workers, and your leaders believe in one another’s abilities; necessary to foster positive and productive working relationships. Respect – The act of valuing one another’s opinions, ideas, feelings, and needs.Respect – The act of valuing one another’s opinions, ideas, feelings, and needs. Communication – A three part process that includes conveying a message, active listening, and effective feedback.Communication – A three part process that includes conveying a message, active listening, and effective feedback.

20 Office Values Support – Willingness to be open and available to others and acknowledge need for assistance for oneself. Support – Willingness to be open and available to others and acknowledge need for assistance for oneself. Humor – When used appropriately is a vehicle that can provide an enjoyable work atmosphere that fosters optimism and positive attitudes. Humor – When used appropriately is a vehicle that can provide an enjoyable work atmosphere that fosters optimism and positive attitudes. Honesty – Acting with integrity in a consistent manner while being mindful of the greater good. Honesty – Acting with integrity in a consistent manner while being mindful of the greater good.

21 Office Values In Action Handling staff “issues” Handling staff “issues” Establishment of office training calendar Establishment of office training calendar Bi-weekly office meetings…everyone! Bi-weekly office meetings…everyone! Flexibility in schedule Flexibility in schedule “Big fish” do “little” jobs “Big fish” do “little” jobs Taking a risk by letting people know about you Taking a risk by letting people know about you

22 Conclusion Establish clear office values so… staff will know what is importantstaff will know what is important staff will understand boundariesstaff will understand boundaries you can establish an identityyou can establish an identity have more fun at work!have more fun at work!