President@NOVA
Most of us remember the childhood game of “telephone” — a message is whispered from person to person, changing with each retelling until the final version bears little resemblance to the original. Unfortunately, this is also a fair description of how communication often works in large organizations like NOVA.
In our fall listening sessions, employees made this point clear. Decisions weren’t being communicated in an effective and timely manner; feedback wasn’t being solicited; and messages changed as they traveled through departments, divisions, campuses and the college overall. The result? Confusion, frustration and a sense of being left out of important conversations.
So, we have introduced the NOVA Brief – a decision-making roadmap that ensures everyone gets the same message, regardless of their role, campus, division or department.
The NOVA Brief asks two simple questions: “What change do I want to make?” and “Who needs to be involved in/informed of this change?” This straightforward approach requires leaders—at every level—to think through the scope and effects of proposed changes before implementation. It builds transparency into the process, providing employees with an opportunity to give feedback and receive clear messaging on implementation. NOVA has now included language in every supervisor’s Employee Work Plan requiring them to regularly solicit employee input on decisions.
The NOVA Brief isn’t for every situation or decision. It’s designed for substantial changes that would significantly impact how employees work or deliver services. This includes:
- cross-departmental or divisional changes that affect employees beyond the originating group
- changes with significant impacts on work schedules, processes or procedures
All resources needed to use the form will be centralized on NOVAnet, including how-to guides, FAQs, consultation grids, and communication protocols. You will also be able to view both active and closed NOVA Briefs.
The NOVA Brief represents a cultural shift toward transparency and inclusion—a shift you called for and that we have made in response. By formalizing the decision-making process and building in feedback mechanisms, NOVA is ensuring that you have a voice in and understand college-determined changes that affect your work. No more “telephone” game.
Kind regards, Anne