Leadership

Responsibility Integrity

Collaboration

Future focus

Our behaviours

V1. Jan 2015

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

Why are behaviours important?Put simply, behaviours are all about how we do things, what we say and how we say it, how we treat others and how we expect to be treated. When used alongside our vision and values, they help us all achieve our goals and targets and gain reward, enjoyment and satisfaction from our work.

What are the behaviours?There are five core behaviours for every member of staff, regardless of role and grade, which reflect Dorset County Council’s values.

The behaviours are:

Future focus Leadership IntegrityCollaboration Responsibility

What do they mean for me?Whether you’re applying for a job with us, a new employee, or have been here much longer, the behaviours will form part of everything you do and you’ll need to be able to demonstrate them through the way you work.

Each member of staff should demonstrate behaviours which are consistent with our values and that can lead to achieving successful outcomes for us and our customers.

It’s not just for what we do, but also how we do it, that we will be measured by our managers, customers, members and colleagues. This is why our own—and our colleagues’ - behaviours are so important to each of us.

The behaviours are an essential part of your performance management and development plans. Performance management is not just about having a PDR meeting twice a year, it’s about every informal and formal conversation you have with your manager, as well as the decisions and actions you both take to achieve your targets.

Having a set of recognised behaviours means we are all measured consistently and fairly. It’s not just about what we do, but also how we do it. This is why our behaviours – and those of our managers and colleagues matter so much.

Our behaviours

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

Vision and goals

Our values

Our behavio

urs

Our visionWorking together for a strong and

successful Dorset

This focuses us on what we need to achieve, giving us a common purpose.

Our values• Fairness

• Openness

• Respect

• Effectiveness

• InnovationThe things we believe in.

Our behaviours• Future focus• Leadership• Integrity• Collaboration• ResponsibilityThese demonstrate how all of us work.

Our behaviours

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

Future focusThis means looking beyond the “now” and acting for the future, we...

When we are not demonstrating a future focussed approach we…

are willing to try new things

consider the future as well as the present when we act

put forward ideas and solutions to improve services and act on the ideas of others

anticipate change and how it could affect us

listen to and respond to feedback and ensure mistakes aren’t repeated

express opinions that things are best as they are and will not consider changes

are motivated only by ‘what’s in it for me’ or self-protection

pay lip service to the need/aspiration for change but don’t do anything to contribute

mock, discourage or undermine others who are seeking to clarify their understanding, develop or support a change

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

When we are not demonstrating a future focussed approach we…

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

are able to control our emotions in various situations and can bounce back when things get difficult

are considerate of other people and their feelings

are clear about what needs to be achieved and how progress is measured

are a positive role model for others

make informed decisions and act on them

are visible and approachable even when times are challenging

This means we set an example which inspires others to achieve successful outcomes, we …

When we are not demonstrating leadership we… behave in ways which might be intimidating or defeatist to others

don’t actively listen or try to understand

avoid dealing with people or issues

are arrogant, over confident and are stubborn

Leadership

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

do the right thing, not just the easiest thing

put our customers at the centre of everything we do

have the courage to challenge and will voice our concerns, thoughts and ideas

communicate effectively and consider how the communication will be received

take pride in our work and that of our colleagues

When we are not demonstrating integrity we… stall the progress of work

act in a way that makes people mis-trust us

defer/delegate decision making for no good reason

abuse the authority of our position

criticise and undermine the work of colleagues

IntegrityThis means we are honest, respectful and considerate, we ...

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

When we are not demonstrating integrity we… stall the progress of work

act in a way that makes people mis-trust us

defer/delegate decision making for no good reason

abuse the authority of our position

criticise and undermine the work of colleagues

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

CollaborationThis means working with others to create successful outcomes, we…

When we are not demonstrating a collaborative approach we… make excuses to avoid effectively working with others

unfairly blame and complain about others for mistakes or lack of progress

do not listen to alternative points of view or do not share information useful to others

only want to work alone or only act as leader in the work

are inflexible and will not work to reach a compromise with others

communicate openly and in a constructive way, sharing skills and knowledge

negotiate in order to gain consensus wherever possible

have an approachable manner which encourages people to feel confident when dealing with us

support others in completing work tasks in order that projects stay on track

Dorset County Council’s behaviours framework

know and apply our professional competences and behaviours to our work

try to improve services where possible to achieve outcomes

work in a way that is safe and are risk aware

are not frightened to take some risk within the scope of our responsibilities

act to maintain and promote the safety, wellbeing and welfare of others

provide help and support fairly

make the most efficient use of our resources

When we are not demonstrating responsibility we… blame colleagues, circumstances or systems for mistakes and problems

talk about Dorset County Council as though we are not a part of it

are inconsistent in what we say and what we do

cause harm or damage through carelessness or irresponsibility

are disrespectful, insensitive or unhelpful

are disinterested or lack concern about the work of others

ResponsibilityThis means we are reliable, adaptable and accountable, we ...