Bob's Update - January 2, 2009
Despite the
declining revenues and the reductions we’ve had to make, I was heartened by
the results of our Organizational Capability Survey (OCS). The results of
the Survey will be shared with the Department Heads on Wednesday, January
7th, the same day that we will publish them on Employee Central with an
Update from David and Verna.
To give you a preview, the overall results were positive. Still much above the national norm in many categories, we also saw an increase in very favorable responses to some of our key job satisfaction questions. That says a lot.
But I also learned that we have work to do to re-create and instill the all-important vision for Washtenaw County government in coming years. You’ve heard me talk about the importance of a vision many times. I must admit that in the last year, as we worked to predict and adapt to this radically shifting economy, we also needed to remind ourselves of our continuing mission as a public sector partner in this community, and beyond.
Since July, my Administrative team has recommitted to understanding what this organization will be in the next decade. We began with the series of Town Halls this fall, talking with you about the strengths and challenges in the organization. We’re using those ideas, the OCS results, other feedback from County leadership and the work of a wide-ranging group of individuals who are meeting to help shape this vision for our new future.
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"Bob's Update" is a weekly message to Washtenaw County employees from County Administrator Bob Guenzel. eWashtenaw publishes these columns when they are deemed timely and useful to the wider community. Please contact Administrator Guenzel with your comments. |
The point is, we know that this next decade will bring change. We’ll need to do things differently, even think differently, but that doesn’t mean that we discard the foundation we have – a strong foundation of trust and commitment to excellence in serving the public.
My wife and I will be away for the next few weeks. We are taking advantage, once again, of her brother’s work – this time in Viet Nam, where he has been living for the past 18 months. Things at the County usually slow down this time of year and, though I will have to miss the organizational meeting - the first meeting of the new year with the new Board of Commissioners - I will be back the week of the 19th.
We have a lot of opportunity before us this year, and a lot of ideas. I look forward to working with you in 2009 and thank you for your support, always.
Have a great week,
Bob
