Change Culture Expectations
As CMU undertakes significant institutional transformation through the university-wide Change Roadmap, the content below provides practical examples of the Leadership Standards in action during periods of change. Together, the Leadership Standards and the examples below provide a shared framework for how we lead, communicate, and make decisions as we move the university forward.
Leadership Standards and Change Culture in Action
How CMU leaders can demonstrate the Leadership Standards while navigating institutional transformation.
| CMU Leadership Standards | How this standard looks during change |
|---|---|
| Team Builders CMU leaders genuinely care and work in a framework of we. We value each team member, fostering strong, diverse teams through respect, trust, and inclusivity. | We actively partner across units, invite diverse perspectives, and co-create solutions that help CMU adapt, innovate, and move forward together. |
| Thoughtful, Open Communicators We present the truth openly in a clear and timely fashion. We foster dialogue, listen attentively, and solicit input from many sources. | We communicate clearly, honestly, and early, sharing context, decisions, and progress in ways that build understanding, alignment, and trust. |
| Service-Oriented CMU leaders are dedicated to delivering the best service experience possible for all constituents, both internal and external. | We make decisions that balance innovation with sustainability, ensuring limited financial resources are used responsibly to enable long-term institutional success. |
| Proactive, Responsible, and Accountable We act with integrity, work hard, and step up to new challenges. We welcome feedback, are accountable for our actions, and hold others accountable for theirs. | We take ownership of our commitments, follow through on decisions, and hold ourselves and others accountable for results that move the university forward, always acting with integrity in every decision. |
| Courageous and Effective CMU leaders take stands, lead with decisiveness, and embrace change. We manage conflict well, stay composed, and respect everyone, always. | We embrace change with confidence and openness. We stay curious, manage uncertainty constructively, and take thoughtful risks that advance CMU’s goals. |
| Focused on Students and Passionate about Central Michigan University We put service to students and the overall needs of CMU above that of the individual or unit. We demonstrate belief and excitement in CMU’s impact. | We evaluate decisions through the lens of what best serves students and the university as a whole. Leaders prioritize institutional outcomes over unit interests, communicate tradeoffs openly, and model confidence in CMU’s mission and impact. |
CMU change culture expectation examples
Courageous and Effective - behaviors during change
We embrace change with confidence and openness. We stay curious, manage uncertainty constructively, and take reasoned risks that advance institutional goals.
Examples:
- Ask questions to fully understand ideas; find ways to yes
- Anticipate opportunities and challenges; experiment early and learn fast
- Make data-informed decisions with appropriate risk assessment
- View setbacks as prototypes for improvement and not reasons to stop
- Normalize experimentation, learning, and failure
Aligns with the roadmap, emphasis on risk tolerance and innovation.
Service Oriented – behaviors during change
We make decisions that balance innovation with sustainability, ensuring limited financial resources are used responsibly to enable long-term institutional success.
Examples:
- Evaluate change initiatives with clear cost/benefit thinking
- Seek creative solutions that optimize budgets and outcomes
- Provide transparency in financial assumptions and trade-offs
Supports stewardship expectations embedded in the roadmap.
Team Builders – behaviors during change
We actively partner across units, invite diverse perspectives, and co-create solutions that help CMU adapt, innovate, and move forward together
Examples:
- Solicit input from those impacted before and during change
- Encourage ideas that challenge the status quo respectfully
- Build coalitions across units to move change forward
- Break down silos through cross-functional teams
- Reduce bureaucracy and develop clear, expedient decision-making processes
Reinforces inclusive behaviors and innovation.
Proactive, Responsible, and Accountable – behaviors during change
We take ownership of our commitments, follow through on decisions, and hold ourselves and others accountable for results that move the university forward, always acting with integrity in every decision.
Examples:
- Communicate expectations and deliverables clearly and often
- Acknowledge contributions and hold constructive performance conversations
- Admit mistakes, learn from them, and adjust course
- Follow through on decisions with measurable outcomes
Directly supports accountability as a cultural norm.
Thoughtful, Open Communicators – behaviors during change
We communicate clearly, honestly, and early, sharing context, decisions, and progress in ways that build understanding, alignment, and trust.
Examples:
- Communicate in ways that are clear, consistent, and actionable
- Seek and respond to feedback
- Use multiple channels so everyone feels informed and heard
- Develop visible vision, goals, encouragement, trust, and accountability from the top
Facilitates inclusion, trust, and engagement, which are change themes in the roadmap.
Focused on Students and Passionate About CMU – behaviors during change
We evaluate decisions through the lens of what best serves students and the university as a whole. Leaders prioritize institutional outcomes over unit interests, communicate tradeoffs openly, and model confidence in CMU’s mission and impact.
Examples:
- Prioritize what is best for students and the university as a whole, even when it requires units to adapt or rethink existing practices
- Simplify processes and remove barriers so students, faculty, and stakeholders experience clearer, faster, and more effective support
- Communicate decisions and tradeoffs transparently, reinforcing trust and confidence in CMU’s mission and future
Supports student-centered, university thinking, transparency, accountability, and reducing process friction.