Embody the Manchester SPIRIT

In the City of Manchester, we uphold our fundamental principles of
SERVICE, PRIDE, INTEGRITY, RESPECT, INITIATIVE, and TEAMWORK.
These pillars collectively form the essence of the "Manchester SPIRIT" that we embrace wholeheartedly.

Embedded in our culture, these core values steer every aspect of our actions, from major decisions to daily interactions. They serve as our compass, guiding us in fostering positive relationships, attaining our objectives, and contributing to the vibrancy of Manchester as an exceptional place to reside, labor, and enjoy leisure activities.

Core Value Statements

Provide exceptional SERVICE. 
Be responsive, transparent, and efficient. 

We are here to serve the public.  We provide accurate, clear, and timely information to Manchester’s residents and businesses.  We take the time to explain how we do things and why.   We are polite, respectful, and understanding.  We respond promptly to service requests and ensure that the needs of our customers are met with professionalism and integrity.  We are committed to efficient and extraordinary customer service. 

Work with PRIDE. 
Act professionally.  Apply best practices.  Continually improve.

We are Manchester.  We are proud of our city’s successes and seek to preserve, enrich, promote, and celebrate our history and culture.  We value our work and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance.  We seek out and support ongoing training for ourselves and all members of our organization.  We perform our duties safely, and with care for our co-workers, our community, and our environment.  We are knowledgeable, responsive, and dedicated.  

Demonstrate INTEGRITY. 
Be honest, trustworthy, and accountable.

We earn trust and confidence through our actions.  We are ethical, reliable, and forthright.   We recognize we have a fiduciary duty to the public we serve and are resourceful in the use of taxpayer money.   When faced with an ethical dilemma, we do what is right.  When we make an error, we recognize it and do not hesitate to seek a solution.   When we make a commitment, we follow through.  We act in the best interests of the City.  We lead by example.

Show RESPECT. 
Treat everyone with dignity.  Embrace diversity.  Listen.

We are fair and courteous to all.  We behave in a manner that we, and the public, can be proud of.  We support our co-workers.  We foster an environment of inclusion, accountability, and transparency.   We call on patience and understanding when confronting difficult situations.  We know that understanding one another’s perspectives and challenges is crucial to our work.  We nurture a culture in which all opinions are considered and all contributions recognized.

Take INITIATIVE. 
Explore ideas.  Be resourceful.  Act.

We seize opportunities to improve.  When facing a challenge, we rise to the occasion, devise a solution, and respond.  We are pro-active.  We promote innovation and embrace technology.  We solicit ideas from all, regardless of status or rank.  We are not constrained by the way things have always been done.  We accept that well-intentioned mistakes may be made in the pursuit of new and better approaches.  We recognize and support ingenuity. 

Promote TEAMWORK. 
Collaborate and build trust – among colleagues, across departments, with the public.

We are many departments, but one City.  We act as one team to meet the needs of our residents and businesses.  We cooperate within and across departments.  We trust, encourage, and recognize the value of all team members.   We develop strong relationships through our words and actions.  We communicate positively and engage in difficult conversations constructively and with understanding.  We know we are more successful and satisfied when we act as a single team.