19 September 2008
New OpenGoddard site!
Hi everyone! We've moved the OpenGoddard site. You'll now be able to find all our information at http://opengoddard.com. Come check it out!
11 September 2008
Hope and Inspiration Discussion
This week, I shared a post written by Loretta Whitesides at the WIRED blog: http://tinyurl.com/NASAhope
If you haven't read it, I highly encourage you to do so. She takes the structure of Barack Obama's acceptance speech but applies it to NASA. I read this entry to the OpenGoddard group at the beginning of our discussion.
What I got out of the discussion is that it can be really tough for folks to be inspired and excited on a day to day basis. Folks want to feel like they're making a difference, and many are in positions where they don't feel like they get to do that particularly often! Folks aren't connected to any sort of big vision for our organization that would inspire them and help them see how their job is contributing to the world!
For those who weren't there, I asked folks to think about what percentage of time they are really excited about what they're doing at work, and what they're doing at these times. Then, take a look at what it would take to increase this percentage, and take some action to increase it! Kind of a fun game to play! We'll try to revisit it in a couple of weeks - or post comments here to share your experience!
If you haven't read it, I highly encourage you to do so. She takes the structure of Barack Obama's acceptance speech but applies it to NASA. I read this entry to the OpenGoddard group at the beginning of our discussion.
What I got out of the discussion is that it can be really tough for folks to be inspired and excited on a day to day basis. Folks want to feel like they're making a difference, and many are in positions where they don't feel like they get to do that particularly often! Folks aren't connected to any sort of big vision for our organization that would inspire them and help them see how their job is contributing to the world!
For those who weren't there, I asked folks to think about what percentage of time they are really excited about what they're doing at work, and what they're doing at these times. Then, take a look at what it would take to increase this percentage, and take some action to increase it! Kind of a fun game to play! We'll try to revisit it in a couple of weeks - or post comments here to share your experience!
08 September 2008
Learning From Our Mistakes
Last week at our OpenGoddard Roundtable, we had a chance to get some insight into what the Office of the Chief Knowledge Officer does. We spent some time looking at a case study where a spacecraft was damaged during what seemed like a fairly routine process.
I struggle a bit with these exercises. I mean, yeah, looking at it now, it is easy to say "well, duh, of course he/she should have done this or that." Hindsight is 20/20, after all! The real challenge is to have the foresight to realize that you have a problem BEFORE the accident happens! To be fair, people see and correct future problems all the time - but it only takes one accident to screw something up!
So the real question is (and the challenge of this office), how do you take lessons learned from a variety of failures (and near-misses) and turn that into knowledge that can be passed on to other projects so that these problems don't happen again?
My gut says that most of the time these issues feel mostly like cultural issues, specifically in the way that people communicate. Just today, I heard the Chief Engineer say that he's reviewed dozens of mishap investigation reports, and every one of them says something about communication. Where does this come from? Do we not take communication seriously at NASA? Are we just not trained in proper communication? Do we have unique challenges that we haven't solved yet in this area?
What do you think?
I struggle a bit with these exercises. I mean, yeah, looking at it now, it is easy to say "well, duh, of course he/she should have done this or that." Hindsight is 20/20, after all! The real challenge is to have the foresight to realize that you have a problem BEFORE the accident happens! To be fair, people see and correct future problems all the time - but it only takes one accident to screw something up!
So the real question is (and the challenge of this office), how do you take lessons learned from a variety of failures (and near-misses) and turn that into knowledge that can be passed on to other projects so that these problems don't happen again?
My gut says that most of the time these issues feel mostly like cultural issues, specifically in the way that people communicate. Just today, I heard the Chief Engineer say that he's reviewed dozens of mishap investigation reports, and every one of them says something about communication. Where does this come from? Do we not take communication seriously at NASA? Are we just not trained in proper communication? Do we have unique challenges that we haven't solved yet in this area?
What do you think?
21 August 2008
How We Define Reputations
We had a variety of discussions this past Tuesday, but the one I found the most interesting was around the perceived difference in how scientists and engineers determine peers' reputations.
The original point was that it seems like when scientists are introduced (like at a colloquium), there's a certain emphasis placed on the degrees they've earned and the academic institutions where they completed these degrees. On the other hand, when engineers are introduced, the emphasis is all on their experience and which missions or projects they've worked on during their professional careers. I think this difference is intriguing - why exactly do the two different cultures emphasize different types of experience?
We went on to talk about the engineering world, where this perspective permeates reviews. In other words, it seems that anytime a question comes up from someone outside the project being reviewed, it must be preceded by "back on mission ___..." It seems that other opinions aren't really valued, and we get stuck in the trap of "well, if it hasn't been done before (i.e. 'heritage'), then it can't be done on this project."
Seems like a really interesting engineering cultural phenomenon to me! Do you see this happening? Do similar things happen in other fields?
The original point was that it seems like when scientists are introduced (like at a colloquium), there's a certain emphasis placed on the degrees they've earned and the academic institutions where they completed these degrees. On the other hand, when engineers are introduced, the emphasis is all on their experience and which missions or projects they've worked on during their professional careers. I think this difference is intriguing - why exactly do the two different cultures emphasize different types of experience?
We went on to talk about the engineering world, where this perspective permeates reviews. In other words, it seems that anytime a question comes up from someone outside the project being reviewed, it must be preceded by "back on mission ___..." It seems that other opinions aren't really valued, and we get stuck in the trap of "well, if it hasn't been done before (i.e. 'heritage'), then it can't be done on this project."
Seems like a really interesting engineering cultural phenomenon to me! Do you see this happening? Do similar things happen in other fields?
14 August 2008
Awesome OpenGoddard Discussions!
As I've been thinking about what OpenGoddard's been doing, I've realized how difficult it is to share what's going on with all the people who have shown interest in the group. Specifically, we've had some really interesting Tuesday Roundtable discussions, and I've been trying to figure out (1) how to increase awareness of the kinds of topics that are coming up and (2) create a way for these ideas and perspectives to spread outside of OpenGoddard itself.
In thinking about this, I realized that this website/blog would be a good place to post a quick summary of our ideas, and not only would it allow folks who can't make the discussions to see what's going on, but it would also provide a way for people to leave comments and to build on those ideas.
My goal is to blog once a week about the Tuesday Roundtable discussion. Now since I have some catching up to do, I'll have to summarize the topics to date pretty briefly. I promise that I'll be very careful to post in a way that doesn't jeopardize anyone's privacy. Also, I'll make every attempt to be clear about what in the post is my opinion versus the general opinion of the group. If anyone else would ever like to blog about a particular discussion, please let me know!
So, to try to capture some of my favorite ideas so far...
We talked about the new science building at Goddard that is under construction and had a general concern that it doesn't seem right that civil servants automatically get the nice offices and contractors get the crap that's left over. It makes more sense to organize offices in such a way that people who work together are close to each other!
We've talked a lot about collaboration, about the CoLab efforts at the agency, and about the various tools and organizations trying to figure out how to increase collaboration. How do you create a culture in which people want to work together?
We've heard that Google lets employees take 4 hours per week to work on whatever they want and that this time stimulates some awesome creativity and really cool projects! Perhaps we could do that at Goddard!
We love what the Center has done in terms of putting forward the effort to put together a blueprint for our future. Yet somehow it doesn't seem to be catching on. People don't seem to believe in it yet.
We've talked about how NASA hasn't had one big unifying goal since the Apollo program, and that's how we've ended up with four different missions all fighting for the same pot of money. Not very effective!
Anyway, that's the two cent version of some of the things that have come up! If you're at Goddard, stop by our Tuesday Roundtable discussions! Also, please leave comments and feel free to discuss things here too!
In thinking about this, I realized that this website/blog would be a good place to post a quick summary of our ideas, and not only would it allow folks who can't make the discussions to see what's going on, but it would also provide a way for people to leave comments and to build on those ideas.
My goal is to blog once a week about the Tuesday Roundtable discussion. Now since I have some catching up to do, I'll have to summarize the topics to date pretty briefly. I promise that I'll be very careful to post in a way that doesn't jeopardize anyone's privacy. Also, I'll make every attempt to be clear about what in the post is my opinion versus the general opinion of the group. If anyone else would ever like to blog about a particular discussion, please let me know!
So, to try to capture some of my favorite ideas so far...
We talked about the new science building at Goddard that is under construction and had a general concern that it doesn't seem right that civil servants automatically get the nice offices and contractors get the crap that's left over. It makes more sense to organize offices in such a way that people who work together are close to each other!
We've talked a lot about collaboration, about the CoLab efforts at the agency, and about the various tools and organizations trying to figure out how to increase collaboration. How do you create a culture in which people want to work together?
We've heard that Google lets employees take 4 hours per week to work on whatever they want and that this time stimulates some awesome creativity and really cool projects! Perhaps we could do that at Goddard!
We love what the Center has done in terms of putting forward the effort to put together a blueprint for our future. Yet somehow it doesn't seem to be catching on. People don't seem to believe in it yet.
We've talked about how NASA hasn't had one big unifying goal since the Apollo program, and that's how we've ended up with four different missions all fighting for the same pot of money. Not very effective!
Anyway, that's the two cent version of some of the things that have come up! If you're at Goddard, stop by our Tuesday Roundtable discussions! Also, please leave comments and feel free to discuss things here too!
19 July 2008
Events for the week of 7/21
7/22 Noon: OpenGoddard Rountable
7/22 COB: Deadline for Goddard Ambassadors applications
7/24 5.30p: Happy Hour at Ruby Tuesday's across the street from the main gate
See below for details...
OpenGoddard ROUNDTABLE
Every Tuesday at Noon (email rivers.lamb@nasa.gov for location)
Inspired by the famous Algonquin Roundtable of the 1920s, the OpenGoddard Roundtable is a place where you can indulge in the luxury of participating in enlightened conversation about Goddard and other space related topics. Over lunch, we'll discuss news, developments, and ideas within the realm of space exploration! Bring a topic or just come to participate in an intellectually stimulating conversation!
GODDARD AMBASSADORS
There's still time to apply for the Goddard Ambassador Program.
Over the next year, Goddard will either lead or play a major role in the launch of nearly a dozen incredible science missions, an unprecedented period in the Center's history. With these missions, Goddard’s Launchfest 2008, and with the NASA and Goddard 50th anniversaries upon us, we expect huge numbers of visitors. The Goddard Ambassadors Program is a newly formed program designed to provide us with a trained cadre of experts who will engage with the public in new ways.
To meet Goddard's strategic goal to inspire, engage and educate people everywhere, this new program is designed to utilize members of Goddard's workforce to serve as official ambassadors for the Center. Ambassadors will speak to students and interns, give Center tours, be on television, have their profile on the Center's home page, in the Goddard View newsletter, or even on vodcasts and podcasts around the world. These activities could range from a lunchtime chat with 20 Goddard employees, to a community event with 50,000 visitors, to a TV interview that reaches millions. We are looking for employees from all walks of life on Center to participate in this exciting program.
Apply via the GOBBS website: http://diversity.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs_GOBBS.cfm
Candidates should respond to this advertisement with a written statement of objectives, statement of qualifications and Center employment background. Please also include what unique experiences and talents you as an individual Goddard Ambassador might bring to the community.
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, July 22nd.
Goddard Ambassadors will be provided with knowledge about our programs and people, allowing them to be the experts in their own field while also having a broad knowledge of Goddard. The program will also provide participants the tools they need to give presentations, interviews, tours and more. The program will offer participants a half-day orientation, after which participants will spend between 4 and 12 hours per month, on average, participating in ambassador activities. This program will be a complement to the Toastmasters Club, which boosts public speaking skills, and the Speakers' Bureau, which responds to official requests for NASA speakers at public events.
HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, July 24th at 5:30 at Ruby Tuesday (across the street from the main gate!)
Come out and mingle with fellow Goddard folks after work! Connect with new people from across Center or just catch up with familiar faces in a casual environment! Now happening every other week!
7/22 COB: Deadline for Goddard Ambassadors applications
7/24 5.30p: Happy Hour at Ruby Tuesday's across the street from the main gate
See below for details...
OpenGoddard ROUNDTABLE
Every Tuesday at Noon (email rivers.lamb@nasa.gov for location)
Inspired by the famous Algonquin Roundtable of the 1920s, the OpenGoddard Roundtable is a place where you can indulge in the luxury of participating in enlightened conversation about Goddard and other space related topics. Over lunch, we'll discuss news, developments, and ideas within the realm of space exploration! Bring a topic or just come to participate in an intellectually stimulating conversation!
GODDARD AMBASSADORS
There's still time to apply for the Goddard Ambassador Program.
Over the next year, Goddard will either lead or play a major role in the launch of nearly a dozen incredible science missions, an unprecedented period in the Center's history. With these missions, Goddard’s Launchfest 2008, and with the NASA and Goddard 50th anniversaries upon us, we expect huge numbers of visitors. The Goddard Ambassadors Program is a newly formed program designed to provide us with a trained cadre of experts who will engage with the public in new ways.
To meet Goddard's strategic goal to inspire, engage and educate people everywhere, this new program is designed to utilize members of Goddard's workforce to serve as official ambassadors for the Center. Ambassadors will speak to students and interns, give Center tours, be on television, have their profile on the Center's home page, in the Goddard View newsletter, or even on vodcasts and podcasts around the world. These activities could range from a lunchtime chat with 20 Goddard employees, to a community event with 50,000 visitors, to a TV interview that reaches millions. We are looking for employees from all walks of life on Center to participate in this exciting program.
Apply via the GOBBS website: http://diversity.gsfc.nasa.gov/programs_GOBBS.cfm
Candidates should respond to this advertisement with a written statement of objectives, statement of qualifications and Center employment background. Please also include what unique experiences and talents you as an individual Goddard Ambassador might bring to the community.
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, July 22nd.
Goddard Ambassadors will be provided with knowledge about our programs and people, allowing them to be the experts in their own field while also having a broad knowledge of Goddard. The program will also provide participants the tools they need to give presentations, interviews, tours and more. The program will offer participants a half-day orientation, after which participants will spend between 4 and 12 hours per month, on average, participating in ambassador activities. This program will be a complement to the Toastmasters Club, which boosts public speaking skills, and the Speakers' Bureau, which responds to official requests for NASA speakers at public events.
HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, July 24th at 5:30 at Ruby Tuesday (across the street from the main gate!)
Come out and mingle with fellow Goddard folks after work! Connect with new people from across Center or just catch up with familiar faces in a casual environment! Now happening every other week!
14 June 2008
More Upcoming Events!
OPENGODDARD ROUNDTABLE
Every Tuesday at Noon (email Rivers.Lamb@nasa.gov for location)
Inspired by the famous Algonquin Roundtable of the 1920s, the OpenGoddard Roundtable is a place where you can indulge in the luxury of participating in enlightened conversation about Goddard and other space related topics. Over lunch, we'll discuss news, developments, and ideas within the realm of space exploration! Bring a topic or just come to participate in an intellectually stimulating conversation!
CHAT WITH THE MASTER PLANNER
Wednesday, June 25 at 11:00 am (email Rivers.Lamb@nasa.gov for location)
The Center’s Master Planner is responsible for putting together a 20 year Facilities Master Plan for Goddard and wants to get feedback from passionate folks who want to be a part of creating what our Center looks like in our future! Please join us for a discussion about the Master Plan!
HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, June 26 at 5:00 pm at Pitchers at the Greenbelt Marriott
Come out and mingle with fellow Goddard folks after work! Connect with new people from across Center or just catch up with familiar faces in a casual environment!
Every Tuesday at Noon (email Rivers.Lamb@nasa.gov for location)
Inspired by the famous Algonquin Roundtable of the 1920s, the OpenGoddard Roundtable is a place where you can indulge in the luxury of participating in enlightened conversation about Goddard and other space related topics. Over lunch, we'll discuss news, developments, and ideas within the realm of space exploration! Bring a topic or just come to participate in an intellectually stimulating conversation!
CHAT WITH THE MASTER PLANNER
Wednesday, June 25 at 11:00 am (email Rivers.Lamb@nasa.gov for location)
The Center’s Master Planner is responsible for putting together a 20 year Facilities Master Plan for Goddard and wants to get feedback from passionate folks who want to be a part of creating what our Center looks like in our future! Please join us for a discussion about the Master Plan!
HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, June 26 at 5:00 pm at Pitchers at the Greenbelt Marriott
Come out and mingle with fellow Goddard folks after work! Connect with new people from across Center or just catch up with familiar faces in a casual environment!
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