National Nuclear Security Administration

**About NNSA** Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad. **At NNSA, we create and sustain a culture of achievement and accountability by consistently demonstrating these Leadership Values and Principles through our daily actions. These behaviors reflect our culture – how we conduct business, how we lead, and how we prioritize the well-being of our teams.** - **People First:** We are responsible for the well-being and productivity of our teams. We prioritize work-life balance, provide professional development opportunities to employees, and meaningfully engage in decision-making. - **Excellence:** We pursue excellence to approach perfection. We maintain high standards. We strive for continuous improvement and innovate to fulfill our mission. - **Communication:** We seek first to understand then to be understood. We proactively share information. - **Respect and Integrity:** We model high standards of character and ethical behavior. We treat everyone fairly and equally, value contributions, encourage open expression of opinions, and addressing differences constructively and inclusively. - **Accountability:** We hold ourselves and each other accountable for our outcomes, performance, and behaviors. - **Balance Process with Expertise:** We adhere to regulations, directives, and standards, while making the most effective use of flexibilities and authorities. - **Challenge and Commit:** We respectfully challenge and question the basis for decisions when we disagree. We have conviction and tenacity, and we chart the path forward. - **Decision-Making:** We quickly make well-informed decisions based on sound information and calculated risks. We adapt as needed to achieve success and drive progress while monitoring outcomes. - **Manage Risk:** We acknowledge that our enterprise involves inherent risks. We prioritize mission success while carefully managing potential hazards and consequences within a complex, interdependent enterprise. Our workers' and the public's safety and health is an uncompromising principle. - **Trust:** We assume positive intent and delegate authority and responsibility commensurate with competency whenever appropriate to leverage our team's collective knowledge and skills and accelerate the safe execution of our mission. - **Lead by Example:** We go where the work is done, meet people where they are, and proactively address performance trends.