Respect and Integrity Conversation

We value each other and hold ourselves accountable for acting ethically and transparently using compassion and empathy.

Tree branch with three twigs, each twig has a circle at the end. One circle reads

Core Value Conversation - Respect and Integrity Responses

Question 1: Respect can mean different things in different contexts, what does respect mean to you in the context of professional relationships and interactions? ▾

Respect involves treating everyone you engage with in a dignified manner, and acknowledging the presence of those who may feel invisible. It is recognizing the value that each individual brings to the workplace. ~ Dawn Rhodes, Administration and Finance

To me, respect is a behavior that indicates to others that you give space to their being, thoughts, values, feelings, or traditions, even when these each may be different from your own. Respect is displayed through active listening and a sincere quest to understand another – to hold another at the same level of esteem as you do for yourself. ~ Karen Park, Administration and Finance

Respect means that when I interact with you, I do my best to know your name, listen to you, and hear what you are saying. I also feel it means making an effort to think before you speak or respond to an email. Words matter and communication is a big part of being respectful in professional relationships and interactions with everyone here at UMB.  ~ Jill Hamilton, Administration and Finance

Respect to me means, showing value to my coworkers' feelings and their views even if I disagree with them.  Being kind and courteous does not cost a dime. Respect equals Honor! Some of us lack that at the University, which is part of the core values. I would like to see more Respect within [the School of Pharmacy]. ~ Shawn Wheeler, School of Pharmacy

Respect other people opinions even if they are different (partially or fully) from yours. Give those opinions the appropriate attention and you can learn something important if not on the discussion's matter, then on people's thoughts and behaviors. Respect your coworkers even if they show some personal characteristics that you do not particularly appreciate or admire. Respected coworkers feel more comfortable at work. You can learn something about yourself and about others and what is/is not important in team's interaction to reach a common goal. Respect coworker's career goals and help them to reach those goals if you can. ~ Svetlana Chapoval, School of Medicine

In a professional environment like UMB, respect between peers, between colleagues, with clients, and with service providers means treating everyone in the same manner as you would want to be treated by others irrespective of rank, position, color, or stature. Interactions should follow simple principles of mutual respect, clear communications, and ethical behavior. Communications should involve active listening, clarity, feedback (without raising one's voice), conflict resolution (without bullying), accountability (without bias), mentorship, and respect for boundaries. ~ Anonymous, School of Medicine

As a manager, respect in professional relationships means fostering an environment where all team members feel valued, heard, and acknowledged. It involves recognizing the contributions and perspectives of each individual, regardless of their role, and ensuring open communication. Respect in this context means setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and supporting your team's professional growth. It also involves being approachable and empathetic, treating everyone fairly, and addressing conflicts in a way that upholds the dignity of all parties. Ultimately, respect builds trust, which is essential for collaboration and a healthy workplace dynamic. ~ Vincent Cancelli, Administration and Finance

Respect means to me is how you would like someone to treat you as you will treat them. Showing care & kindness in a spiritual, mental or physical aspect. ~ Anonymous, Administration and Finance

For me, I feel that sometimes we have to respect someone's space and their time, but it is also feeling of deep admiration for some one or something. To me, Integrity is having a state of be honest also having strong moral and principles moral  and to try to be as fair as you can be. ~ Marlene Johnson, Administration and Finance

Respect - Caring for peoples' ability, taking notice of work ethic or in general. Acknowledging feelings and views even if you agree or disagree. Being thoughtful, having sympathy. Treating everyone fairly as your equal regardless of position or title. Having the mindset that respect is giving and not earned. ~ Shaquel Williams, Administration and Finance

Integrity - Being honest, trustworthy having principles and morals. Undivided. Using your leadership for positivity and not negativity.
Applying the positive things you have learned to everyday living. ~ Shaquel Williams, Administration and Finance

Question 2: What does it mean to you to be a person of integrity? ▾

An individual who does the right thing even when no one is there to witness it. ~ Shoshanna Allaire, School of Graduate Studies

Integrity means to me morals and principles, honesty, and respect. ~ Joann Braswell, Administration and Finance

To me, it is honoring ones perspective on things. ~ Tory Delaney, Administration and Finance

Honesty and Trust. Being truthful. ~ Carlton Means, Administration and Finance

Being a person of integrity to me means to be thoughtful and respectful of ones' opinion, even if I don't agree  ~ Denise Burgess, Administration and Finance

Being honest and have a strong morality. ~ Kadidia Kabore, Administration and Finance

Question 3: UMB defines the value of Respect and Integrity as “We value each other and hold ourselves accountable for acting ethically and transparently using compassion and empathy.” What does valuing respect and integrity look like in your school/department? ▾

Helping others. Being responsible for your actions. Being patient. ~ Dedra Hough, Administration and Finance  

Question 4: At UMB, our values are more than words, they should be reflected in our actions. What is one example of someone at UMB treating you with respect and/or integrity and how did you feel as a result? ▾

Unfortunately, there were no responses to this question, if you would like to add your thoughts, please respond here: https://umbforms.wufoo.com/forms/ra8c1i806ze2g4/ 

You can be a catalyst for others valuing Respect and Integrity through your actions.

Question 5: What is one action you can take this week that would demonstrate being honest and transparent with others and inspire others to do the same? ▾

Unfortunately, there were no responses to this question, if you would like to add your thoughts, please respond here: https://umbforms.wufoo.com/forms/ra8c1i806ze2g4/ 

Question 6: What is one action you can take this week that would demonstrate your adherence to the highest standards of professional and personal responsibility, even when no one is looking and inspire others to do the same? ▾

Unfortunately, there were no responses to this question, if you would like to add your thoughts, please respond here: https://umbforms.wufoo.com/forms/ra8c1i806ze2g4/ 

Question 7: What is one action you can take this week that would demonstrate consideration and compassion for people and inspire others to do the same? ▾

One action I can take this week to demonstrate consideration and compassion for people, while also inspiring others, is to volunteer for a cause that someone else is passionate about. By doing this, I show that I care about their interests and am willing to support what matters to them. ~ Ashley Rodriguez, Academic Affairs

Invite someone to meet for a walk, coffee, lunch, etc. About half of US adults report loneliness. We should not assume that people don't want and need to be included. You never know who is experiencing loneliness. ~ Anonymous, UMB Staff

Question 8: What is one action you can take this week that would demonstrate you accepting responsibility for your actions and inspire others to do the same? ▾

One action that demonstrates accepting responsibility is to revisit a conversation where you felt misunderstood or where your words might have unintentionally caused confusion or frustration. This week, reach out to that person, not to defend your perspective, but to listen and ask if there's anything you could clarify or improve in your communication. By taking responsibility for the relational impact of your words, even when it wasn't intentional, you show respect for others’ experiences and model true integrity. It’s a gesture that acknowledges our shared human need for understanding, and it inspires others to value empathy and openness. ~ Eric Belt, Office of the Provost

Missed a Question?

From August through October 2024, we highlighted UMB’s Core Value of Respect & Integrity – We value each other and hold ourselves accountable for acting ethically and transparently using compassion and empathy. 

You can still be a part of the conversation by responding to any of the above questions here.

Don't forget to join/bookmark the link for the next core values conversation: a focus on UMB's Core Value of Well-Being and Sustainability by clicking here.