Transforming Culture: Bringing Organizational Values and Mission to life
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Rob Leeds
ANR Educator, Assistant Professor
The Ohio State University Extension
DELAWARE
Abstract
Many organizations prominently display their mission and values statements, but integrating these values into daily work can be challenging. To address this, a group of educators and administrators sought innovative employee engagement and quality service education opportunities. In 2019, a six-person multidisciplinary team attended a leadership institute at Disney, learning about Disney’s approach to hiring, empowering employees, and creating a supportive environment. This inspired the creation of the Keys Team.
The Keys Team focused on developing actionable keys to empower employees to make decisions based on the organization’s values. These keys—trust, inclusion, care, adaptability, and efficiency—were designed to be memorable and associated with specific behaviors. The keys were further refined through area sessions where faculty and staff assessed their agreement with them.
The first step in implementing the Extension Keys was to develop a culture where supervisors and peers recognize staff and faculty for demonstrating these values. In fall 2023, five regional meetings were held with approximately 650 attendees. During these meetings, over 1200 pins representing the keys were distributed. Participants were asked to recognize peers who exemplified one of the keys by giving them a pin and sharing why they were recognized.
Additionally, monthly "I am Extension" videos highlight staff and faculty nominated by their peers for demonstrating the keys. At the annual conference, winners receive a key and a cash award.
This session will explore one process Extension organizations can employ to bring practical meaning and action to their core beliefs and values.
Authors: Rob Leeds, Chris Zoller
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Rob Leeds ANR Educator, Assistant Professor, OSU Extension, Ohio, 43015-1707
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Chris Zoller Interim Assistant Director ANR, Professor, OSU Extension, Ohio, 43210