Our Shared Values
Values are not maximum demands along the lines of "the more, the better." Every value needs the right balance: if it is lived too little, something is missing. If it is lived too strongly, it tips into its opposite and ultimately harms ourselves or the team.
That is why the Core Values Compass describes each value as a spectrum: What does it mean when the value is expressed too little, to the right degree, or too strongly? The concrete examples of behavior help us find the right balance in everyday work. They also make conversations easier: instead of judging character traits, we can talk about behavior and work out together what suits our team.
Click on a value to expand its description.
fair
- acts and decides in a reasonable and transparent way
- takes different interests into account
- does not favor or discriminate against anyone
- takes different backgrounds and individual circumstances into account
- is aware of the different requirements and needs of colleagues
- educates themselves on the topics of discrimination and diversity
reliable
- honors commitments and follows through on promises
- trustworthy
- honest
- on time
- communicates clearly and transparently
- communicates changes proactively and in a timely manner and explains reasons for changes
- follows through
- respects confidentiality
- loyal towards colleagues, senior staff, and the institution
solution-focused
- constructive
- focuses on solutions and goals
- recognizes opportunities and alternatives
- actively participates in problem-solving processes and involves others
- communicates and explains proposed solutions
- is willing to compromise
- stays on task when things get difficult
- seeks practical solutions that don’t have to be perfect
- promotes a safe-to-fail culture
too much
perfectionistic
- believes they always know the best solution
- is never satisfied with a compromise
- only accepts perfect solutions
- obsessed with details
- has no tolerance for errors
- burdens others with a constant search for solutions, even for processes that are running well
- loses sight of a healthy balance between time invested and results
appreciative
- respectful
- attentive
- takes time
- sympathetic
- encouraging
- acknowledges commitment and success
- recognizes the strengths of other people/teams
- acknowledges limitations and communicates these
- is interested in personal and professional development
- enables others to contribute their skills
- values people’s individual strengths
loyal
- provides support and backing
- makes decisions that take employees’ wishes and interests into account
- steps in to protect employees when mistakes are made
- maintains confidentiality
- creates transparency about their own role
and possible conflicts of loyalty
- identifies with the institution
- honors the role of the University Executive Board