A630.5.4.RB - NASA Culture Change

Why did NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe address NASA employees to describe the plan to bring about proposed changes to NASA's culture?  After the tragedy with Space Shuttle Columbia, Sean O’Keefe took a true leadership role by addressing the employees of NASA.  After the assessment by BST, it was discovered that the culture in NASA needed a serious change.  Mr. O’Keefe wanted every employee to know that though there were many positive aspects of the NASA culture, he also wanted them to the culture of NASA demanded improvement in many areas. I respect the fact that O’Keefe was very specific about the fact that change had to start with leadership; he knew the employee needed to hear the words directly from him, not from some memo or by rumor.  Another point of him giving the speech first hand and directly addressing questions and concerns was to ensure he was making a point that this change involves everyone and every aspect of the organization; not just a select few. 

Was he believable? Is it important whether he appeared to be believable?  I am not sure if the speech was believable.  The right things may have been said, but the delivery lack passion; as if it was scripted.  Mr. Okeefe was very diplomatic, but at the same time honest in his words; addressing several areas that he thought would stand out.  He continuously reiterated that NASA is a good organization; however, he also mentioned that there was room for improvement based on his perspective and the survey.  One interesting note in the video; if you watch closely during the speech, you will notice one employee member smirking; as if to say here we go again.  Whether the information is factual or not and whether his heart is in the speech, I do believe it is important to appear believable.  If not employees will see the insincerity.

Why did he talk about NASA values?
Organizational culture is the foundation of the identity and understanding of its members and this culture is grounded in the values of that company.  Mr. Okeefe reemphasized that although NASA had many of the values in place that were working already; but there was definitely room for improvement.  The post shuttle crash assessment from BST made it clear that change was needed.  One area he discussed was respect for one another professionally to carry out tasks; all relevant important viewpoints must be considered and completing important task should not be based on just one individual perspective.  The other area he addressed was safety.  Mr. Okeefe stated’ “We don’t act it quite the same way we say it” in regards to safety.  By addressing the values of the organization, he is holding everyone accountable to the meaning is such said values. 

What can you take away from this exercise to immediately use in your career?  Effective communication is one of the most important skills a leader must possess.  However, if communication is not supported by action or passion, then the leader is not walking the talk or leading by example.  As I have stated in other discussions, the culture at NASA is by no means bad or lacking, but leaders recognized that they need to improve.  Looking at the situation that NASA had faced, the worst thing leadership could have done is nothing.  For his attempt of instilling changes throughout the organization, I commend Sean O’Keefe. He recognized the need to evolve and change and that NASA should not shy away change, but embrace it as a way to learn and improve our quality of life/work.  As I watch this video, I realize that even at my own job, I am given task or information and a strong level of sincerity is not included.  Whenever I teach or train individuals at work, I will try to be more sincere with my delivery of information.