Learning Competencies
Service
We serve students, other university departments, the general public, and each other. We recognize that the service we provide is broader than the traditional definition of “customer." The customer skills that are needed—attention to the appearance of the facilities and staff, establishing rapport and empathy, identifying needs, responsiveness, etc.— should be integrated within our roles and interactions as Norris employees.
- Looks for service opportunities for the department and Norris
- Projects positive image and reflection of self and the Norris Center
- Follows through with customers in order to meet their expectations for service
Communication
As service is integrated within every aspect of what we do, communication is a key component in not only providing excellent service but also in maintaining departmental and institutional health. All aspects of our communication—verbal and written—should convey respect, trust, confidence, competence, and reliability.
- Listens to customers and responds in an articulate manner
- Adjusts communication style according to the situation at hand
- Provides useful, intentional information to team members, customers, and supervisors within the systems made available by the area
Personal Management
Providing excellent service and completing tasks efficiently within a department begins with a strong work ethic and good habits, particularly with regard to attendance and professional demeanor. Employees’ personal skills and habits are challenged within the workplace. Success is characterized by your ability to achieve a balance with your academics, extracurricular activities, and work responsibilities.
- Arrives on time for shifts, works during scheduled hours and makes arrangements for replacements as needed
- Is precise and works within allotted time frames, acknowledges when mistakes or missed deadlines occur and notifies supervisor appropriately
- Makes appropriate decisions regarding behavior, recognizes and accepts consequences of actions, and acts in a dependable manner
Job Knowledge
To perform optimally, employees must comprehend the function of their position within their department. A full awareness of job duties and policies requires not only the retention of facts, but also the active search, learning, and application of additional information. Being able to provide context to the service we provide can help broaden the service opportunity as well as the satisfaction that results.
- Can articulate departmental policies, processes, and duties and how their work contributes to the department's success
- Is able to gauge requirements of tasks assigned
- Seeks clarification, when needed, to accomplish responsibilities
Inclusion
For Norris to succeed as a University Center, its staff must share a common understanding of why it exists, what guides its activities, and how each employee contributes to the organization as a whole. Progress toward this understanding requires learning how to apply the Norris mission within your area to build a community founded on diversity and principles of social justice.
- Can relate how aspects of equity and equality influence the work performed for or service provided to clients, patrons, and co-workers
- Promotes acceptance and understanding of colleague diversity in terms of background, interests, culture, and values
- Can articulate safe space concepts
Teamwork
The optimal level of service, that Norris sets out to provide, can only be attained through the collaboration and support provided by each staff member within and across departments. Each of us must focus our efforts toward making the team (departmental and organizational) cohesive, high-performing, and successful.
- Is able to articulate personal impact, as a staff member, to the department and Norris Center
- Attends team meetings and contributes to dialog, and supports others and appropriately adapts behavior in response to team needs
- Recognizes contributions made by other members of the team
Responsibility
For a workplace to be successful, employees must be trusted to take initiative and make decisions that impact the department’s service, production, and reputation. That trust depends to a large extent on the responsibility that employees demonstrate in carrying out their duties and assignments. Responsibility includes your dependability with regard to the quality of your work and your acceptance of departmental (and organizational) policies, procedures and goals.
- Abides by and promotes adherence to policies at the departmental, Norris and university level
- Works to achieve departmental goals
- Can articulate consequences of actions