SPEC Kit 344: Talent Management · 137
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Performance Excellence Handbook
5
Demonstrating Northwestern Behaviors
Working in the area of performance excellence and assessment over the past several
years, staff in Human Resources have identified what we call “Northwestern behaviors.”
These are, simply, desired behaviors that are consistent with Northwestern’s goals
and, if encouraged in and developed by our employees, will help make the University
a better place to work, learn, and live.
True success in the workplace depends both on what we accomplish and how we
get things done. In the Performance Excellence Process, what we accomplish are
performance objectives and how we accomplish things are Northwestern behaviors.*
Employ ees of the University are encouraged to demonstrate the following behaviors
in order to successfully accomplish their performance objectives.
Coachability: Being receptive to feedback willing to learn embracing continuous
improvement.
Collegiality: Being helpful, respectful, approachable, and team oriented building strong
working relationships and a positive work environment.
Communication: Balancing listening and talking speaking and writing clearly and
accurately influencing others keeping others informed.
Compliance: Honoring Univer sity policies and regulatory requirements.
Customer focus: Striving for high customer satisfaction going out of the way to be helpful
and pleasant making it as easy as possible for the customer (rather than the department
or the University).
Efficiency: Planning ahead managing time well being on time being cost conscious
thinking of better ways to do things.
Initiative: Taking ownership of work doing what is needed without being asked
following through.
Leadership (as applicable): Setting clear expectations reviewing progress providing
feedback and guidance holding people accountable.
*Detailed definitions are available in the handout “Recognizing and Rating
Northwestern Behaviors” available at www.northwestern.edu/hr.
Northwestern University Performance Excellence Handbook
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