The ten shared values which form the foundation of the Miami Leadership Commitment are:

Reflecting critically:

• Think critically and take time to reflect
• Take purposeful risks and learn from success and/or failure

Engaging in one's community as well as our global society:

• Understand and serve the needs of others
• Be flexible and open to change
• Be responsible for your actions

Communicating effectively:

• Communicate directly, honestly, and with civility

Contributing positively to groups/teams:

• See potential within yourself
• Respect the dignity and potential of others
• Celebrate and embrace diversity

Leading a life of integrity:

• Support and challenge each other to live by these values

These values represent the core of how we view learning at Miami because four of them reflect the four principles of the Miami Plan for Liberal Education. The other values come from research on what's critical for us to be effective in leadership. The dissemination and discussion of the Leadership Values Framework throughout the Miami Community supports the creation of value-centered offices, programs, and organizations which reflect the belief that leadership is a mutual "influence relationship" (Rost, 1993) where people work together to improve or change something to their mutual benefit.

The Leadership Values Framework comes alive when we take them seriously and when we work in small communities to agree to explicit and more specific expectations based on the values. The leadership values are easily translated to living groups, organizations, offices, and programs. Doing so calls each individual member to constantly reflect on whether or not all members exhibit these values. An ongoing peer dialogue results in a reflective and value-based community, with all members growing in leadership and respect for one another.