Salzburg Global Seminar establishes four core values: welcome, exchange, fairness, and transformation
Salzburg Global is committed to reviewing its purpose, practices, and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. On the recommendation of staff, board members, and Fellows, the organization undertook this internal process to help solidify and communicate its values.
Salzburg Global recognizes that identifying organizational values for the entire institution, including Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, is an important part of strategic planning. This is why, with the help of its staff and two appointed Values Process Facilitators, the organization has defined its values as:
- We are Welcoming: We live in a global world. Our work is to bridge cultures and make space for each other, to ensure every person we work with and host is welcomed, feels secure, and seen for the value they bring. We welcome by being prepared, accessible, and adaptable.
- We encourage Exchange: Our organization was founded as a forum to exchange ideas, find common ground and build creative solutions. We carry this forward by facilitating situations where Fellows can learn from each other in unexpected ways and guests have unique experiences. As colleagues, we make space to listen to each other and value opinions different from ours.
- We stand for Fairness: Creating environments and situations that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our future together. We respect the work people do in an equal way and build opportunities for people to engage in ways that feel supportive to them. We continuously learn and improve as our understanding of true fairness expands.
- We aim for Transformation: We know this work is transformational for our Fellows, our guests, and our colleagues. We tailor our offerings and structures to meet emerging needs and create a better world. Challenges are opportunities to improve, to come up with a solution that builds for the future. Our organization-wide communication, understanding, and decision-making are central to our ability.
These values guide our programmatic direction, institutional business opportunities, and brand identity, but how did we arrive here?
In 2021, Carl Swanson, Associate Director at Springboard for the Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, and Greta Muscat Azzopardi, Facilitator, Coach, and Communications Mentor based in Malta, were appointed as Values Process Facilitators. Both had attended programs hosted by the Cultural Innovators Forum and are an active part of the network. On top of their extensive professional experience as non-profit leaders and work in the business sector, as Fellows, Carl and Greta experienced the values and impact of Salzburg Global’s programs, making them a perfect fit to facilitate that process.
Throughout 2021 and the first part of 2022, Carl and Greta worked with Salzburg Global and Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron staff to set up a process, making sure all voices would be included. Through surveys, one-on-one conversations, and all-staff meetings, the team arrived at the four core values. We are now committed to operationalizing these values in all aspects of our people, programs, and place. We will continue this journey with a renewed sense of purpose.
