Values Consultation

At the end of November I posted some feedback on a recent event within the University aimed at its "Managers". We were all asked to cascade face-to-face the overall feedback from the event which we did on Wednesday morning and this is what we submitted out of the two sessions held that morning. Comments continue to be welcome:

Session One

For values such as creativity and flexibility to have substance then we need to do something about the rules, procedures, policies, guidelines and committee approvals that all get in the way.
We need less bureaucracy so that we can get on with our work – instead of finding ways to work around the various “systems” – it does not feel enabling, it feels stifling
Every time we get a new VC we seem to start all over again – values require continuity over extended periods and shouldn’t change every five years.
Building works and refurbishments are critical to the University demonstrating commitment. People get cynical when the building gets its first coat of paint in 28 years (rather than celebrating the new paintwork we complain about the shabby carpet)
Some of us didn’t know what was meant by “internal comms” – this has not been communicated” What is this? Who is this? Who does it affect? What is its scope? Who is Stefan etc
Have we understood why we need values at all, and who are these values for: staff, students, both (common?)
What is the driving force, the big idea?
We need to think about how our personal values map onto organisational values – maybe we are working for the right (or the wrong!) organisation for us
In some areas the values are not positive – cynical, apathetic, nothing will ever change
A lack of straight forwardness in communication leads to Chinese whispers and gossip
There are a range of tools at our disposal – we don’t always use them in appropriate ways – example is expectations about responses to emails, or emailing someone who sits in the same office etc

Session Two

An important value is Respect – respect for each other and respect for others
We work in a service environment where lack of respect affects staff morale – dealing with stressed customers is an example e.g. cannot update my PC at lunchtime
Student values have changed a great deal – the “me, now” culture is very different – I pay for this, I know my rights – staff are not always appreciated either by students, peers, or colleagues – is it a surprise that people get fed up? e.g. lack of discipline in lectures
Values are important – aspirational and positive – having goals and a vision is important
The media portrayal of society is changing – respect for elders, fear and insecurity etc – organisations need to respond to the changes in the society around them
Staff should enjoy coming to work at – plenty of activities, time for conversations, morning and afternoon scheduled breaks to meet each other – all this has gone – is it for the better? - we are all too busy doing our jobs – do we have lunch breaks any more: lunch is for wimps
There are two key functions that IT Service delivers that are absolutely fundamental to how we communicate – telephones and email. Take these away and the University could stop functioning as we now know it
Time poor, there is not a relaxed atmosphere, every one expects an instant response