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Strategic Planning
On October 4, 2018 seventy plus (70+) people from across Building Operations participated in a strategic planning workshop. At this session individuals learned about strategic management, systems thinking, organizational change and how our mission ties into the university vision and values.
Here are some of the things we learned:
Strategic Management
Strategic management is a system to run an organization or business unit and it is about continuous improvement and change. It is a process to help create and control the future and get results. It requires defining a future state and setting goals and targets, and taking action to reach the future state. It helps clarify priorities and operating guidelines so everyone is on the same page.
Systems Thinking
Systems thinking is about asking and answering 5 key questions:
- Where do we want to be?
- How will you know when we get there?
- Where are we now (issues, opportunities, resources)
- How do we close the gap between “now” and where we want to be?
- Did we achieve what we set out to achieve?
Organizational Change
Change requires a game plan and we need to recognize the different change stages and understand the different strategies for helping someone through the stages.
How Building Operations aligns with the University Mission, Vision and Values
UBC’s Mission
Pursuing excellence in research, learning and engagement to foster global citizenship and advance a sustainable and just society across British Columbia, Canada and the world.
UBC’s Vision
Inspiring people, ideas and actions for a better world
UBC’s Values
Excellence Accountability
Integrity Academic Freedom
Respect
Building Operations’ Mission
UBC Building Operations proactively and cost-effectively manages the operations and maintenance of all assets on campus to enable greatness.
What’s next?
At this session we were able to identify 16 new strategies that we may want to add to our existing four strategies (asset stewardship, customer service, leadership development, and employee engagement).
The next step is to reduce the number of strategies to 7. We will create 7 strategic teams consisting of 6 people per team. Each team will be empowered to develop action plans at our October 25 workshop.
Stay tuned for more Strategic Planning and defining what we should focus on for the years to come.
Come Along Hoist Inspections on October 11 and 18
Additional dates for hoist inspections by Kone Cranes are scheduled on October 11 and 18. There are still a large number of come along hoists which were not returned nor inspected with the last round in September. Please ensure you take all assigned and or rented hoists to stores for inspection prior to the following dates:
- October 11 (Thursday)
- October 18 (Thursday)
You will be notified when the inspection is complete and when the inspected hoists can be picked up. These inspections are a regulatory requirement.
Building Ops Re-launches Bright Ideas
In 2014, Building Operations wanted to hear your ideas and launched Bright Ideas. The VP Finance and Operations now introduced the concept to all groups in the VPFO office. We are re-launching our Bright Ideas in connection to our Staff Excellence Awards.
Anyone in Building Operations is invited to submit ideas that could:
- Save resources
- Improve service
- Increase safety
- Improve the quality of our work life
You can also submit nominations for your colleagues for the exceptional work they do in these categories:
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Health, Safety and Wellness
- Innovation
- Inspiration (the Kim Nulty Award)
Bright ideas and/or nominations for colleagues submitted for the month will be reviewed to win a monthly prize.
All submissions for the year will be reviewed and winners will be selected in each of the categories above. Winners will be recognized at the annual Building Operations’ holiday events in December.
The rules
Submit a Bright Idea or the name of a colleague/coworker to recognize their exceptional contribution in enabling greatness in Building Operations by emailing vp.finops@ubc.ca or sending them to Caroline Soriano at caroline.soriano@ubc.ca.
ALL SUBMISSIONS WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.
There is no limit to the number of submissions.
On November 30, 2018, a committee will review all entries.
For more information on the categories or download a nomination form, visit https://buildingoperations.ubc.ca/staff/staff-recognition/.
Questions?
From time to time we’ll ask you for questions about how we’re doing. Bright Ideas will be our repository to make sure that we hear you and provide meaningful answers. Drop us a line at vp.finops@ubc.ca.
Kids to Work Day Is November 14, 2018
Building Operations, Energy and Water Services, Student Housing & Hospitality Services and UBC Community Services are encouraging all parents with children in Grade 9 to bring them to work for the day on November 14, 2018. Registration is open until October 26, 2018. For more details or to register, contact Caroline Soriano at caroline.soriano@ubc.ca or at 604.822.4178.
Due to the nature of the work done in the university, and the potential safety hazards involved, a guided day of activities (including lunch) will be planned for students who are unable to spend the day on the job with their parent. Parents are also invited to the lunch.
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