Why Values Matter: The Power of Values Governance at Markham Public Library

1. Why Values Matter The Power of Values Governance at Markham Public Library 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. What are the Staff Values? The Four Values: • Respect • Communication • Common Focus (Service) • Teamwork

6. Staff Values RespectEmpathy, courtesy, inclusiveness Examples: • Treat others as they would like to be treated • Be punctual at all times

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Why Values Work Values work because they are: • Staff-driven • Co-created • Observable • Championed by front-line staff at each work site (i.e. Values Champions) • Sustainable (e.g. monthly reviews)

13. Benefits of the Staff Values Process Benefits: • Break down silos • Improve morale & create a satisfying work environment • Empower Staff • Increase accountability

14. 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

15. The Co-creation of the Values: Choosing the Values Features of the Staff Values: • Chosen freely • Chosen among alternatives • Chosen after examining consequences of each alternative • Prized and Cherished • Affirmed • Acted Upon • Repeated

16. 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

17. The Co-creation of the Values: The Values Champions Characteristics and Qualifications: • Empathetic • Impartial • Approachable • Supportive

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. The MPL Values Panel: Experiences and Perspectives

22. 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: Andrea Cecchetto Branch Librarian-Milliken Mills 905-513-7977 x5342 acecch@markham.library.on.ca Cheryl Marcus Acting Branch Librarian 905-513-7977 x2182 cmarcus@markham.library.on.ca