HomeMy WebLinkAboutCharting Our Course Embracing the value of Respect1
Tom Thiersch
From:Nevey, Steve <neveys@wsdot.wa.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, April 9, 2024 7:50 AM
Subject:Charting Our Course: Embracing the value of Respect
To the Washington State Ferries Team,
I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to discuss a shared value that defines who we are: "Respect. We embrace
differences and treat all people with dignity."
In my first all-staff message, I menƟoned that everyone has something to contribute, and everyone’s contribuƟon is
essenƟal. However, without embracing the value of respect, people will not feel empowered to contribute, which
negaƟvely affects the enƟre organizaƟon.
A reƟred cruise ship Captain once told me that he was navigaƟng a large cruise ship at full speed, when a cadet, only on his
second day at sea, pointed out a shallow patch ahead on their course line. His concerns were dismissed by the officers on
watch because there could be no way that they would have ploƩed a course over a shallow patch, or so they thought. AŌer
speaking up a second Ɵme, the captain went over to look at what the cadet was seeing, realizing the cadet was right, he
ordered a course change, narrowly avoiding disaster. ReflecƟng on the incident, the captain admiƩed feeling a wave of
nausea, aŌer realizing the gravity of the situaƟon and what could have happened had the cadet not spoken up (twice!). The
lesson he imparted to me, was that from then on, he listened to all input with respect, regardless of rank or experience, and
I’ve gone on to do the same.
This lesson isn’t only applicable to pilot houses, it’s relevant in all our daily interacƟons. At WSF I've noƟced that valuable
contribuƟons oŌen go unheard or unspoken due to an exisƟng ego-based culture and the tendency to defer to authority
because “the leader knows best.” As a leader, I recognize that I don't always have all the answers and definitely don’t
always know best, so I make it a point to listen to all inputs with respect before making decisions.
Here are some other ways we can foster the value of respect within our organizaƟon:
Inclusive Language: Choose language that is inclusive and respecƞul. Be mindful of the affect your words may have on
others and avoid offensive or hurƞul comments.
AcƟve Listening: PracƟce acƟve listening when communicaƟng with colleagues and customers. Give others your full
aƩenƟon, seeking to understand their perspecƟves as opposed to listening only to respond. Every voice deserves to be
heard.
PromoƟng Inclusivity: AcƟvely contribute to creaƟng an inclusive environment, ensuring everyone feels welcome and
valued. Inclusivity is a team effort.
SupporƟng Each Other: Offer support to colleagues in Ɵmes of challenge or stress and celebrate their successes. A simple
act of kindness can make a significant difference. We succeed as a team.
Cultural Awareness and RespecƟng Differences: Embrace and appreciate the diversity within our team and among our
customers. Take the Ɵme to learn about different cultures and backgrounds, contribuƟng to a more inclusive environment.
Celebrate the diversity that makes our team unique. Learn from each other and appreciate the varied perspecƟves that
contribute to our collecƟve success.
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ReporƟng Disrespecƞul Behavior: Don't hesitate to report disrespecƞul behavior. Your voice maƩers, and we are
commiƩed to ensuring everyone feels safe and respected. UƟlize available channels, which include your supervisor or HR,
to raise concerns.
AddiƟonally, the "From Here to There: Building a BeƩer Future Together" culture playbook is aspiraƟonal and represents a
vision for our future. By embodying the value of respect in your everyday work, you contribute to making this aspiraƟonal
culture a reality. Thank you for your dedicaƟon and the important role you play in making our workplace respecƞul and
inclusive. If you have any quesƟons or suggesƟons, feel free to reach out. The survey is sƟll acƟve, and we are acƟvely
monitoring feedback. Washington State Ferries 2024 Survey (surveymonkey.com)
As always, thank you for all that you do.
Regards,
Steve
Steve Nevey (he, him)
Assistant Secretary | Washington State Ferries
C. 206-697-1584 | E. Neveys@wsdot.wa.gov