Our Values
In service of UW–Madison’s mission and reputation, the Office of Strategic Communication is guided by a shared set of values: collaboration, clarity, creativity, curiosity, and commitment. These principles shape how we engage with campus partners, connect with external audiences, and work with one another. More than aspirational ideals, they are active standards that inform our decisions, strengthen relationships, and guide how we adapt and respond to new challenges. They enable us to deliver meaningful, effective work that builds trust in the university and reflects the best of who we are.
How we work together
We work together with care and intention, valuing diverse perspectives, active listening, and shared problem-solving to produce work that none of us could accomplish alone.
Behaviors that support collaboration:
- Openness to other’s ideas: Actively seeking and valuing diverse perspectives fosters shared ownership and signals respect
- Active listening: Listening with the intent to understand (not just to respond) builds trust and ensures that all voices are heard and valued
- Shared ownership and accountability: Collective responsibility for outcomes requires individual follow-through on and support for colleague’s efforts and successes
We build thoughtful, consistent systems and provide transparent communication to ensure mutual understanding, dependable outcomes, and a shared sense of direction in our work.
Behaviors that support clarity:
- Consistent and transparent communication: Sharing information clearly, regularly, and with the right people ensures alignment and reduces confusion
- Proactive information seeking: Asking questions to clarify decisions, direction, or context (without derailing progress) helps teams stay informed and agile
- Shared use of systems and processes: Consistent adoption of tools (like Asana or structured processes) creates a common language and workflow that supports mutual understanding
We hold space for playful, imperfect ideas, exploration, and original thinking. We encourage taking bold, thoughtful approaches that challenge assumptions and bring new energy to our work.
Behaviors that support creativity:
- Exploration: Actively seeking new ideas, experimenting with approaches, and showing interest in different perspectives fuels creative thinking and innovation
- Adaptability: Being flexible in how problems are approached, or solutions are implemented, allows teams to more easily pivot thinking and evolve ideas without fear of failure
- Thoughtful, constructive feedback: When feedback is given with care and received with openness, it helps refine ideas and create trust and affinity
We pursue deeper understanding by asking thoughtful questions, seeking out unfamiliar viewpoints, and staying open to continuous learning that sharpens our thinking and inspires innovation.
Behaviors that support curiosity:
- Asking open-ended questions: Thoughtful questions signal genuine interest, encourage exploration and deeper understanding, and invite diverse perspectives
- Staying open-minded: When team members suspend judgment and remain receptive to new ideas, space is created for inclusive problem-solving
- Creating opportunities for contribution: Inviting input from all team members, especially those with different experiences, creates space for more possibility
We stay grounded in our purpose, focusing time and energy on what matters most to build trust and create lasting impact for the university and the people it supports.
Behaviors that support commitment:
- Connecting work to mission and impact: Understanding of how one’s contributions align with the organization’s purpose and goals builds motivation
- Taking initiative beyond core responsibilities: Stepping beyond one’s job description to support the organization internally or externally shows personal investment and engagement
- Prioritizing and recognizing effort: Acknowledging the less glamorous parts of the work and celebrating all contributions fosters dedication