Oh, What PEOPLE Have to Say

As promised, from time to time I will openly and authentically share an update on the cultural transformation at NorQuest. This includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. What follows shares another step. 

What This is About: Those of you following this blog know that 25 Culture Champions representing all aspects of the college, undertook an extensive listening campaign over the last few months. They conducted personal interviews, focus groups and sent out a feedback survey. This week we began sharing their early findings (about a 50 page draft report), with a leadership/culture advisory board and the top executive team. We also launched NQ Unscripted. The entire college was invited to join the top leadership on YouTube Live to get connected, and have an unscripted conversation on the most relevant topics. We successfully had our inaugural session at 11 a.m. MT this past Wednesday, with much of the college watching, listening and participating by chat. NQ Unscripted will take place every Wednesday going forward; no exceptions other than a college holiday. 

Why This is Important: Of course the content of the listening campaign is the basis of forthcoming intentional action. However, the foundational act of really digging into the findings for deeper understanding is necessary. There is a natural tendency to try and explain the reasons underlying the data. There is also an expected propensity to want to “fix” things. That’s what executives have learned to do. Still, the most important thing in this process is to let the data marinate and have a comprehensive, open conversation with everyone fully exploring the results. That will lead to taking the best systemic, and most impactful action in a timely manner. This is also why NQ Unscripted is vital. Now there is an emerging and additional channel to connect and converse with ALL on a real time basis. 

This movement is about co-creating a more desirable future state for all Norquesters and stakeholders. We are NOT rolling out a traditional top down “campaign” that so called “change masters” like to conduct (although top leadership is clearly focused on this). Each person at the college becomes an ongoing cast member as we collectively write the screenplay. We iteratively become better as humans and as a place to work. That’s what provides energy and momentum as WE architect and build together. It’s a bit messy, occasionally uncomfortable, sometimes chaotic, yet always forward flowing. 

Stay tuned to find out what happens next, 

- Lorne 

One Millennial View: I think providing a platform for everyone to have comprehensive, open conversations is exactly how to move the culture train forward. NQ Unscripted will brighten up every Wednesday at NorQuest, and I’m excited to see how it helps the culture game throughout the entire college. 

- Garrett 

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