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

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
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Why Values?

What are Staff Values?

Using the Staff Values
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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
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Outline process to enable staff to resolve
interpersonal issues
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Explain how ‘values’ increase collective
accountability and ownership
Why Values?
The MPL Experience
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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:

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 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.
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
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Create Values Champions; provide training
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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
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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
[email protected]
To contact the Presenters:
Cheryl Marcus
Acting Branch Librarian
905-513-7977 x2182
[email protected]
Andrea Cecchetto
Branch Librarian-Milliken Mills
905-513-7977 x5342
[email protected]