A630.5.4.RB - NASA Culture Change_WitteWilliam

After viewing the video in the previous activity, reflect on the following questions in a well-written post on your Reflection Blog.

• Why did NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe address NASA employees to describe the plan to bring about proposed changes to NASA's culture?

     He addressed them as a result of the recent Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.  It was decided that although NASA has strong values and is perceived to have a rich culture, much more could have been done to help prevent such a tragedy.  Perhaps employees had simply become complacent.  Sean O'Keefe wanted to present the results of a third-party survey on things NASA needs to do better and pave a way ahead for the organization.  Some of the suggestions he demonstrated in the video are that NASA must (1) improve its leadership in terms of heeding warnings, (2) ensure that all employees are respected, (3) have a "can-do" type attitude toward situations, and (4) be a shining example of organizational safety. 

• Was he believable? Is it important whether he appeared to be believable?

     Although Mr. O'Keefe seemed believable and passionate about NASA's cause and proud history, I as the viewer could not help but feel as though he was being made to say many of the things he presented or at least that the tragic situation had led him to this moment.  There were several non-verbal cues, such as holding his hand in his pocket, that made it seem like not an entirely "natural" speech.  Additionally, he repeatedly stated that the feedback was the result of a third-party agency survey.  By distancing the survey from NASA itself the whole speech seemed less ingenuous.  It was important that he seem believable so that employees take him seriously and act upon the advice presented.

• Why did he talk about NASA values?

     Values are key to the success of any organization.  Ideally, the decisions people make on a daily basis and overall success of a company are rooted in the values they hold dear.  Compromising values leads to a compromise in quality.  He emphasized that NASA had rich values but they need to be focused upon in all aspects of their work.  This would/will lead to a higher standard of employee productivity, equality, and dedication to safety.  Talking about NASA's values drew upon their rich history, creating a positive sense of nostalgia but also calling upon members to adhere to them to ensure that another disaster like that never happens again.

• What can you take away from this exercise to immediately use in your career?

     I think the main things that really come to light from this exercise, largely as a result of these questions, are that one must be believable and ingenuous when addressing subordinates, that it is important to adhere to company values or risk compromising that at the expense of all, and that a positive outlook on situations is important... even when faced with disaster.  These takeaways will prove important within the military context, as the problems we face are not so very dissimilar from those of NASA.  We must hold true to our roots and values as we move forward into this rapidly changing and uncertain future.