In order to develop and align organizational values a company must not only believe in their values, they must embody them through action. Denning wrote “If a companies want to embody certain values, then they have to begin by ascertaining what values are currently operational.” (p. 137). Embry Riddle’s organizational values can be viewed at http://www.erau.edu/administration/hr-values.html The values that I chose at the top of my personal list (based on the results of my Workplace Values Assessment) that are identical to Embry Riddle’s are:
• Character
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Trust
• Student success
To establish these values action is necessary. For Embry Riddle it begins with their Leadership Teams. It is the responsibility of these individuals to make certain that Embry Riddle’s organizational values are a part of who they are as individuals and that they represent these values. Denning (2011) wrote “For values to take hold, leaders have to live them on a sustained, consistent basis.” (p. 139). My Director of Graduate Advising espouses character, integrity, honesty, and student success. By working with her I have not only gained the utmost respect for her but also have adopted her beliefs and positions that are the foundation for what Embry Riddle stands for. Our student’s success is what drives us. Our values represent who we are and what we stand for.
We learned this week that the three basic components of an ethical community are: trust, loyalty, and solidarity. In my position as Graduate Academic Advisor with Embry Riddle, I am responsible for a great deal of trust. Trust that I will listen to the needs of my students. Trust that I will assist them when they are having problems (solidarity). Trust that I hold what they share with me in confidence (loyalty). It is my goal (as well the goal of my fellow advisors) to be professional and to positively impact the lives of our students. We must let our actions speak for us.
I witnessed a firsthand example of Embry Riddle’s ethics in action shortly after I was hired. In July one of the undergraduate advisors Emily, had a student that was graduating. Embry Riddle however only holds graduation ceremonies once a year in May. This student’s mother was terminally ill with brain cancer and would not live to see her son receive his diploma. Emily took it upon herself to go to the Director of Online learning to see if there was anything that could be done for her student. In order for the student’s mom to see her son get his diploma a private ceremony was held at our offices. The entire undergraduate team (of about 20 or so) as well as the student’s family attended the ceremony. The student’s mom was able to see her boy get his diploma. Needless to say it was very emotional for everyone involved. When the undergrad team returned, there wasn’t a dry eye among them. Emily really listened to her student’s story and he trusted she could help him. She empathized with his situation and went out of her way to help him. She genuinely cared for her student’s situation. We learned two weeks later that the student’s mother passed peacefully. A few days later a package arrived at the office. It was for Emily. It was an engraved pen for Emily with the most thoughtful words of appreciation imaginable. The student also wrote a letter thanking Emily and Embry Riddle for what they had done. He said it was one of the most special days he had ever shared with his mom and how happy it made her. This was the day I realized that I was working for the right organization, I realized what they stood for and felt very fortunate to be a part of the organization all because of their values.
I asked myself “What values are missing at Embry Riddle?” I gave this question serious consideration. I concluded that I could not think of any. I was actually astonished that I could not think of any values that are missing from the university. I found myself looking over the values listed on the website again and in looking them over I reinforced the decision I made to be part of Embry Riddle. I asked myself “What is missing?” but could not find a definitive answer. This reflection is a good thing! I consider myself fortunate that I am part of an organization that allows its employees the opportunity to better themselves. I may never have considered going back to school to earn a Master’s degree simply because of the cost. Being in an environment that promotes learning is not only beneficial to my future but allows me to give back. I look forward to being in a position in the future to have others learn from me. That through hard work, dedication, honesty, integrity, and character you can succeed. It will be my goal to “talk the talk and walk the walk” and embody Embry Riddle’s values. Values that I hold true and believe in.
Denning, S. (2011). The Leader's Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/Wiley.
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