Collections Services Area Norms

WE WILL ...

1. ... treat others with the same patience, respect and regard that we expect to receive for ourselves.
2. ... strive to learn and practice active listening.
3. ... engage in effective techniques for communication.
- use email for neutral topics, i.e. meeting announcements, agendas, minutes, etc.
- use face to face dialogue as often as feasible
- be aware of the continuum of needs for time, tolerance for interruptions, and personal workspace.
4. ... participate actively in discussions and communicate opinions in the open.
5. ... learn and practice teaming behavior and respect the teams’ priorities and actively work with teams to achieve our collective goals.
6. ... strive to follow the meeting structure and operating norms developed and accepted by Collections Services. We will accept or adapt these norms for use in our teams and work groups, document them and share them with the Area. We will establish a mechanism to review them periodically and, if appropriate, propose changes.
7. ... strive to acknowledge our colleagues’ unique contributions, expertise and varied responsibilities. We will remain aware that each person carries and balances individual and collective responsibilities as well as individual and collective priorities.
8. ... accept that disagreements are a natural reflection of the differences. We will work through it. We will learn and practice conflict management skills/techniques.
9. ... as individuals, strive to solve problems.
- Not making assumptions
- Gathering data, both opinions and facts, to understand the problem
- Seeking information from the source
- Approaching the problem from the perspective of "what can I do to help?"
- Proposing and assisting in the solution
- Utilizing the "ladder of inference"

Addenda

Commitments of the Area Head

Provide better/clearer opportunities for staff input, including scheduled Area meetings to discuss specific issues
Work with Team Leaders to provide shared decision-making for the Area
Listening with open ears and mind (Active listening)
Respond to staff input

Commitments of the Area Staff member to the Area and the Library

Base opinions/input on facts, not speculation or assumptions
Give the Team Leaders and new smaller teams a chance to work. Be supportive
Publically address issues and deal directly with those involved and responsible