Let’s take time this week to reflect on our core value embracing a Generosity of Spirit. What a beautiful core value for a university to have. Each of us absolutely has the capacity to live this value in how we engage each other, our students, and our community.

Generosity of Spirit

• We trust, empower, and presume the best of each other.
• We practice civility, caring, and respect.
• We commit to equity and inclusion.

Often, we speak of the term ‘generosity’ as a concept tied to giving something of value and—let’s face it—a lot of things that have value cost money. Luckily, much like hope, generosity of spirit doesn’t cost a penny. However, it does take thought and care.

Trusting, empowering, and presuming the best of each other helps people feel a sense of belonging and supports a sense of purpose. One of the beautiful side effects of presuming the best in others is that it also helps us presume the best in ourselves. When one person radiates this kind of positivity, if reflects back on them, too. There are fascinating studies about how negativity and positivity spread—much like a virus. If a person walks through a workspace and is mean to everyone, they leave some of their foul mood in the room. Similarly, if a person walks through that same workspace and spreads kindness on the way, they leave the room feeling uplifted. Think about the impression you leave on each room you exit!

Let’s channel our Generosity of Spirit in showing appreciation to each other. Ask how can employees—and all other members of the Drake community—feel appreciated if they are not accepted for who they are? Having equity and inclusion embedded in our core values is as important as it is beautiful. But equity and inclusion do not always come organically—we must commit to these principles, and we have to work at them. We must be intentional in building a campus environment where everyone feels welcomed and a sense of belonging. This really does require us to appreciate and value what each unique person brings to the table.

Hiring Tip: For people who are involved in searches, let’s be certain we vet candidates for our core values. We want to be hiring people into our community who already hold this kind of generosity in their spirit. We want to add to our community people who will presume the best of others, who will be civil and respectful, and who already embrace our desire to build a diverse and inclusive community where everyone is welcomed and experiences a sense of sincere belonging.

Drake HR is happy to share a new resource for those involved in searches—we have created a long list of behavior-based interview questions arranged by the most closely correlating core value. We encourage you to refer to it as you think about how we can assure we add new employees to our community who already buy into embracing a Generosity of Spirit—as well as our other core values.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources; Nate Reagen, Office of the President