This is It... The End.

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

Communication is key

Having a clear vision for an organization is extremely important.  However, being clear on the organization’s values, purpose, and goals are equally as important.

In our meetings with Gary, we quickly figured out that he wanted us to help him better communicate with other organizations in order to have a unified approach to sustainability.  We met with Reggie, Tim, and Kathy individually.  Each one is over another organization that has ties to Gary’s organization.

Out of the individual meetings, we found that the answers to our questions were pretty much the same… in the most basic form of the issue, everyone wanted better communication.

Based on Senge’s Strategies for Building Shared Vision,* we came up with a plan to help the organizations prioritize working together and to understand what direction they are headed toward by working together.

VISION – an image of desired future

This includes better communication between the organizations regarding sustainable practices.  This can be achieved through routine meetings.

VALUES – how we expect to travel to where we want to go

There needs to be an open dialogue between the organizations about problems.  A supportive group effort is necessary in eliminating fragmentation and disunity.  Communicating should bring the organizations together; therefore, each individual must consider the others and be supportive of an open, honest dialogue.

PURPOSE – what the organization is here to do

The organizations have come together to work together, break boundaries, and develop a dialogue that revolves around sustainability practices and what it takes to make Clemson a premiere sustainable campus.

GOALS – milestones we expect to reach before too long

At times, communication can be stagnant.  The organizations must remember to prioritize their bond in order to commit to fostering efficient sustainability.

These attainable values/purpose/vision/goals will help Gary and his organization work with the other organizations in furthering Clemson’s sustainability efforts. 

Communication is key!

 

 

 

 

 

ashton

 

 

 

*Shared Vision can be found in The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook