MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

"TEAM CULTURE"

Culture - a composite of shared history, values, attitudes, and behaviors. 

Great strides have been taken to "reinvent" Michigan government and the MDOC.   In the last three issues of the F.Y.I., I have shared my vision for the future of the MDOC and described the initiatives that would be used to achieve that vision; many of those initiatives, such as structural and operational improvements, have already been implemented.   

The next step in "reinventing" Michigan government and the MDOC is to identify our team values.  Governor Snyder has sent out a green card to all state employees regarding his 10 point plan on "Reinventing Michigan" with a specific emphasis on "Team Culture." The Governor identified the following core values for Michigan government: 

Leadership:

• Enthusiasm - "Can do" and "will do" attitude
• Courage - Expressing viewpoints constructively
• Duty - Commitment to Michigan in word and deed
• Focus - Addressing and solving critical issues

Excellence:

• Vision - Believing in our vision, goals and culture
• Integrity - Always do what is right
• Measures - Results through measures that matter
• Accountability - Acting decisively, delivering on commitments

Teamwork:

·         Results - Valuing team results and sharing credit

·         Collaboration - Respecting and engaging colleagues

·         Loyalty - Supporting decisions and those who  make them

·         Camaraderie - Having fun together, reinventing our State

These values provide all State of Michigan employees at all levels with the framework and strategy that will bind us together - regardless of level, expertise, or department.  These values provide all MDOC employees with the structure and approach that will unite us as a department and provide us the greatest opportunity for success. 

These values are meant to:

• Reenergize and inspire all MDOC team members
• Empower innovation
• Increase productivity and improve our self-image
• Inspire ideas that improve the MDOC

These values are not passive.  Rather, they will drive our behavior and communication, direct goal setting, serve as our "code of conduct" and help us serve as role models who are empowered to hold each other accountable.  They are central to our operating standards and will remind us of how our daily activities should fit within the context of what our citizens expect from us.  These values will be the driving force in solving and addressing critical issues at every level. 

A clear strategy, mission and vision are now in place.  The values identified on the green card sent out by the Governor also identify the MDOC values that will be utilized to meet the mission and vision of the Department.  Our journey is just beginning with these discussions.  Meanwhile, our continued success as a Department requires that the entire MDOC team embrace our new values and become an active participant in continually improving this Department.

Governor Snyder's 10 objectives and programs for reinventing Michigan are:

1. Create more and better jobs
2. Leverage our new tax system
3. Reinvent our government
4. Keep our youth - our future - here
5. Restore our cities
6. Enhance our national and international image
7. Protect our environment
8. Revitalize our educational system
9. Reinvent our health care system
10. Winning in Michigan through Relentless Positive Action

If you have not received the Governor's "Reinventing Michigan" card, please see your immediate supervisor and request one.