Lion - Fall 2019 - Why Values Matter

The expression “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” attributed to management guru Peter Drucker, reflects an understanding that organizational culture has the ability to undermine the most brilliant and well-conceived strategy if the two are not aligned. Lincoln University has built its reputation as an institution committed to “educating and empowering students to lead their communities and change the world.” The University’s ability to achieve its mission, to differentiate its brand, and to protect its reputation are all dependent on having a culture that supports its goals.

Lincoln University’s current strategic plan—launched in summer 2018—includes as one of its goals, “to build a culture that supports student success.” To achieve this goal, the University has adopted a set of values that define the expectations that the community sets for itself. These values are intended to guide the work and to be reflected in how things are accomplished at Lincoln University.

THEY ARE SIMPLE AND YET POWERFUL: RESPECT. RESPONSIBILITY. RESULTS. 

An important component of the value proposition that Lincoln University offers to its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other constituent groups is that members of the community will be treated with respect; that members of the community will act in a responsible manner; and that members of the community are committed to achieving positive results. These values reflect the Lincoln legacy and form the foundation for one aspect of what distinguishes a Lincoln graduate from graduates of other institutions. Hail, Hail, Lincoln!

LINCOLN VALUES

Respect: to consider every member of the community worthy of high regard.

To demonstrate respect:

• We actively listen to each other and seek to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives;
• We show consideration and appreciation for the time, talent, and resources of others as we plan and execute our work; and
• We honor our traditions and champion the Lincoln Legacy.

Responsibility: to be willing to answer for one’s conduct and fulfill obligations; and to choose for oneself between right and wrong. 

To demonstrate responsibility:

• We act with integrity and are guided by sound ethical practices in our personal and professional lives to serve as a positive example for our community;
• We have high expectations and standards for ourselves, our students, our colleagues, and the University. We, therefore, challenge each other to achieve excellence; and
• We embrace the principle of reciprocity—giving back to others in gratitude for that which has been given to us.

Results: to work diligently to achieve desired outcomes.

To achieve results:

• We share information broadly, remain curious about the world around us, and encourage new ideas and approaches to complex problems;
• We are mindful of and seek to mitigate our personal biases that might hinder our collective progress; and
• We actively look for opportunities to collaborate with others and to leverage financial, physical, and human resources to the best advantage for the University.