Guiding Principles

A framework to shape how we work and lead decision-making for members of the Department of Pediatrics

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Collaboration

Well-being

Engagement in the Department’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Self-direction, Reliability, and Efficiency

Mentorship and Leadership

Our Mission

The University of Wisconsin Department of Pediatrics promotes and enhances the health of children through outstanding clinical care, exemplary education of pediatric trainees, performance of cutting-edge research, and vigorous advocacy.

Our Vision

Provision of the safest and highest quality, innovative, and coordinated care in an environment that supports inquiry and discovery and promotes well-being and professionalism.

Our Core Values

Accountability

Compassion

Diversity

Empathy

Excellence

Innovation

Integrity

Respect

Teamwork

Engagement in the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Department of Pediatrics

• Be present.

• Know, understand, and embody the department’s core values in all that you do.

• Let the department’s mission, vision, and core values guide your decision-making.

• Respect your colleagues’ time. Be prepared for individual, team, and department meetings by bringing questions, concerns, and discussion items.

• Participate in and encourage others to be involved in departmental committees and initiatives.

• Act positively and professionally as a representative of the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, UW–Madison, and UW Health Kids.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Foster a sense of belonging in everything you do.

• Recognize, support, and value differences in peoples’ identities, backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and opinions.

• Strive to contribute to an inclusive workplace and create a work environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable welcoming others.

• Expect that experiences of others will differ from your own and welcome the opportunity to learn from each other.

• Model bringing your authentic self into the workplace and encourage others to do the same.

• Strengthen your personal commitment to ongoing learning on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as regular practice of anti-bias and anti-racist actions.

• Embrace and face uncomfortable situations. This can foster remarkable growth and change.

• Maintain regular work hours and use time effectively.

• Complete tasks with a high level of accuracy, personal responsibility, and initiative.

• Aim to meet project timelines and deadlines. Proactively communicate challenges and develop a plan with colleagues to get back on track or reschedule.

• Use available resources (department and SMPH intranets, UW and UW Health websites, colleagues, etc.) when questions arise or something is unclear.

• Use tools and systems to effectively manage to-do lists, monitor priorities, and stay on track to achieve goals.

• Explore and share new tools and innovative approaches to working more efficiently.

• Commit to and actively engage in teamwork.

• Prioritize your attendance at department, team, and division meetings.

• Regularly and actively participate in discussions with colleagues regarding project developments, challenges, and successes.

• Recognize and support individual team members’ strengths to advance and foster engagement in the department’s mission.

• Understand and celebrate that each and every employee plays a key role in our success.

• Be open to and welcome viewpoints different from your own.

• Engage in continuous improvement at all levels: individual, department, institution, and community.

• No task is irrelevant, and its successful delivery or completion has a positive impact on the whole.

Mentorship and Leadership Well-being

• Be open to receiving and providing constructive feedback in order to support the ultimate success of all involved and impacted.

• Maintain transparency and an open flow of communication by sharing information with all members of the team.

• Give credit and recognition to the people around you. Celebrate individual and team successes.

• Learn from others at all levels of the organization.

• Provide support to those around you. Offer assistance to other members of the team or department in order to contribute to its overall success.

• Actively engage in teaching opportunities, sharing your knowledge and experience with others.

• Participate in professional development opportunities and encourage others to do so as well.

• Understand that we all make mistakes and can use them as an opportunity for learning and growth.

• Practice compassion for yourself and your colleagues.

• Seek out and use well-being and support resources provided by UW–Madison, UW Health, and other entities, and encourage others to do so as well.

• Conduct work during typical business hours, whenever possible, and minimize late night, weekend, and holiday work.

• Respect and support colleagues when they are out of office by pausing contact until they return.

• Seek opportunities to align your strengths, interests, and departmental needs within your work.

• Recognize that flexible work schedules support professional work, interests, and personal commitments.

• Extend grace and understanding to everyone around you. Remember that you are not aware of the challenges they may be facing.

Self-direction, Reliability, and Efficiency Collaboration

March 2023