How We Work at TCLF

We wrote these principles for how we work back in 2023, and while we've refined them a few times, they still hold true today. In these tumultuous times, I think it's worth sharing these principles with you, the people of Texas, and the farmers who feed you. It is you we serve. Thank you for your continued support. In the past year, our budget was cut 57% by Federal orders. If you like how we work, please pitch in, if you can, to support our work.

• We take individual responsibility for our actions.
• We take initiative and can work independently.
• We hold each other accountable.
• We demonstarte that actions speak louder than words.
• We are transparent and share progress reports on our work.
• We accept constructive criticism and compliments. We practice grace.
• We ask ourselves "What is here for me to learn?".
• We strive for progress. We report accomplishments.
• We first try to answer questions ourselves and then we ask questions.
• We help each other.
• We respect each other's time & capacity.
• We are well-prepared for meetings.
• We rehearse presentations, especially for people outside of TCLF; we are polished in our presentations even if they're just a quick update.
• We present ourselves physically in our attire according to the situation.  Example: We are a little more dressed up when meeting with folks outside of TCLF. When we go to an in-person meeting at a school, we are dressed according to the school dress code.
• We never forget that if we are serving our primary customer, Texas sustainable and organic farmers and ranchers, we will be successful.
• We never forget that taxpayers fund most of our work and we owe them excellent value for their investment in us.
• We work at the center, not the edges.  We focus on the outcomes and impact.
• We work within our sphere of influence.
• We are prompt and show up for others fully present.
• We work smarter, not harder and are time-efficient in achieving our tasks.
• We don't reinvent the wheel and leverage pre-existing resources.
• We focus on doing the right thing as well as doing things right.
• We create a safe space for honest communication; if there is an issue, we directly speak with those involved.
• We value collaborative work. We choose collaborators carefully based on past performance and demonstrated alignment of values.
• We strive to listen actively.