Workplace Values

How will we treat each other?

We each bring our backgrounds, beliefs, values, talents and behavior standards to work. Taken together, these define how we treat others and how we expect to be treated. They define what makes each of us unique.

To respect diversity is to recognize each individual for his/her unusual and unique talents. These talents are as multifaceted and complex as the individual they belong to. Learning how to deal with diversity involves acquiring some new skills. In fact, succeeding at work is very difficult for those who are unable to collaborate with a diverse group of people.

Diversity by itself doesn't make an organization strong or successful. Dealing with diversity in a healthy, productive and proactive manner, however, can help an organization succeed.

Diversity includes:

• People of different genders
• People with diverse ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds
• People of different ages and experiences
• People with different abilities
• People with different sexual orientations
• People who practice different religions
• People who speak different languages
• People with different family structures
• People with different educational backgrounds
• People with different work and life experiences

Describing personal culture and values

The great law of culture is: Let each become all that he was created capable of being.

-Thomas Carlyle, 1827

1. Think about yourself in relation to each of the terms. Be selective as you consider each word. Circle at least seven words, more if you like, that can be used to describe you. You are not limited to these words and you may add any words you want to the list. Select words that are most meaningful to you. They need not necessarily be the words others would use to describe you. This exercise is for your benefit.

2. Write the words in the diagram below.

Words that describe who I am

Words have tremendous power. Look at the words you have chosen on the previous pages. Answer the questions posed below about your selections.

1. How do the words you selected reflect you and the values that are important to you?

2. Are there words on your list that might be misinterpreted by others? Which ones?

3. Did you list words that some people might perceive as controversial? Which ones?

4. Which words
   • describe you in association with other people and groups?
   • tell something about your personality?
   • refer to your values?
   • speak to your race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or your abilities?

5. What strengths are represented in your culture and values profile?

6. How might these strengths contribute to your success at work?

Describing organizational culture and values

1. Select five words that describe your organization's culture. As a new employee in the organization you might need some help in choosing the words. You may want to ask some of your colleagues for their input on this question.

2. Write the descriptions in the diagram below.
   
   
   

3. What, if any, similarities are there between the words you used to describe yourself and the words you used to describe your organization's culture?
   • What are the differences?

   • How might these differences impact your success at work?

4. How might these cultural characteristics contribute to the organization's strength?

5. What other cultural characteristics would you like to see on your list?

6. How might you go about acquiring these characteristics?

Understanding respect

Operationally, culture is defined as shared values, beliefs, expectations, attitudes, assumptions and norms. These are seldom written down or discussed; rather they are learned by living the organization and becoming part of it.

-Ralph Kilman,
Beyond the Quick Fix

1. What behaviors help you feel that you are respected?

2. What do people do that can make you feel that you aren't being respected, or that your values are minimized or ignored?

3. How can you positively inform others of the importance of your values to you?

4. How do you act when others don’t show respect towards you?

5. How does your reaction help others understand why you are uncomfortable or angry?

Contributing to the organization's workplace values

Understanding what respect means to each of us is a starting point to help us see the importance of treating others respectfully. The beginning of this section mentions that learning how to deal with diversity involves acquiring some new skills. Many of these skills are directly related to communication, some to practicing ethical behavior, and others to carrying out our work in a professional manner.

Below is a list of workplace values. Under each of the values there is room for you to list ways in which this value can be practiced, acknowledged and upheld in the workplace. You might want to talk with colleagues to expand your action list. These conversations will help you see how your organization promotes positive workplace values.