Crazy. Hectic. Busy. Determined.
Overwhelmed.
These are all symptoms of a certain epidemic called… the end
of the semester. (And I am definitely
feeling all of them!!!!)
However… this is also how an organization can feel when they
are getting nowhere. After meeting with
Gary, Reggie, Tim, and Kathy individually, we found that they all want the same
thing – to work together in an effort to increase Clemson’s sustainability
efforts. The issue is knowing where to
start.
The reason why is unclear – perhaps one of the reasons is
because everyone has busy schedules within their own organizations and
prioritizing meetings with other organizations on top of established meetings
within the organization is too much.
In our plan for Gary, we felt that it was important to state
that he should attend already-scheduled meetings. If he was presenting, his presentation could
be added to the formal agenda of the meeting.
He could also simply listen to what others have to say. Within six months of attending meetings,
Gary, Tim, Reggie, and/or Kathy should meet to discuss what is being
implemented well and what could be better.
Education about sustainability is important and that should be measured
through some capacity.
After the six month meeting, we suggest that Gary continue to
meet regularly with the other organizations.
After a year, another “maintenance” meeting should be held to make sure
that everyone is headed in the same direction.
Ideally, Gary would be able to eventually have funding in
order to help the other organizations with small sustainable projects. We believe that the committed communication,
open dialogue, regular meetings, and maintenance meetings could make this a possibility.
I have enjoyed this project and look forward to presenting
Gary our ideas. Senge’s The Fifth
Discipline Fieldbook has helped me look at organizational communication in an
understandable and relatable way.
ashton