OpenGoddard

New OpenGoddard site!

2008-09-19T08:34:00.002-04:00

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!

Hope and Inspiration Discussion

2008-09-11T21:32:00.002-04:00

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!

Learning From Our Mistakes

2008-09-08T21:07:00.002-04:00

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?

How We Define Reputations

2008-08-21T01:29:00.002-04:00

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?

Awesome OpenGoddard Discussions!

2008-08-14T20:57:00.002-04:00

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!

Events for the week of 7/21

2008-07-19T16:40:00.000-04:00

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!

More Upcoming Events!

2008-06-14T09:49:00.000-04:00

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!

Upcoming Events!

2008-05-20T17:58:00.000-04:00

The current list of future events is posted below. We're really interested in hearing what types of events you're interested in having, so please use the comments link below, and tell us what you'd like to do!

In addition, we now also have a Facebook page! Look for the OpenGoddard group on Facebook!

WORKSHOP ON TRANSFORMING COMMUNICATION
Friday, June 6th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Would you like to transform the way you communicate with the folks in your life? What if you knew exactly how to get people to hear your message or how to hear what the people around you say? Lois Yoon of Vanto Group, Inc will be at GSFC to present a ‘mini’ 2 hour introduction/workshop on the “power of communications to increase performance and create breakthrough results”. The workshop is Q&A based and designed to support the participant in ‘seeing’ something about their own communications that is presently ‘invisible’ , and provide a path forward in resolving a particular issue or ‘stop’ in communication. So please bring with you a communication ‘issue’ you have been struggling with, or seek to improve upon. The ‘technology’ of communication she will introduce will be a tremendous help in creating innovation, collaboration, and inspiration at Goddard. This event is a ‘toe in the water’ of what is possible in expanding our understanding of how communication shapes the world we live in, and what is possible for us in that world. If interested, contact Rivers Lamb (Rivers.Lamb@nasa.gov) - there may still be space left!

AWESOME OUTDOOR GAMES with REFRESHMENTS
Tuesday, June 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Long before the digital social blur of Facebook and Friendster et al (2003), people spent enchanted outdoor afternoons focusing their collective attention on brightly colored balls, rings, and shoes. These people were playing Lawn Games, an ancient form of social networking technology.

Now. Someone who plays a Lawn Game ‘to win’ has yet to uncover the Finer Purpose of Lawn Games, namely:
* To stand in a sunny field (or sit nearby)
* To be distracted from social anxiety by arcane rules, inane goals, and oddly-shaped moving objects
* To effortlessly and almost accidentally enhance the density and richness of connections to people and place.

The Lawn Game is thus a means; enriched sense of belonging and camaraderie is an inevitable outcome. Come participate in the ancient wisdom on Tuesday, June 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 at the Pavilion near Building 19. There will be Croquet, Bocce, Badminton, Ring Toss, Frisbee, Hacky-sack --- and someone promised to bring a Boomerang! Please bring yourself and your favorite Frisbee or football or kite and spend some time outside the cubicle. Light refreshments will be provided.

This Event is Subject to the Discretion of the Weather. Event hosted by Thomas Clay Templeton (X61082) and OpenGoddard. Thanks to our Sponsors: GSFC Flight Projects Directorate, GSFC Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate, GSFC Management Operations Directorate, and GSFC Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate. Management n.b.: Lawn Games can be played in a suit.

HAPPY HOUR
June 26th @ 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!

Past Events

2008-05-20T07:20:00.000-04:00

OpenGoddard Kickoff Tuesday, May 20, 12 - 1 pm
Shape Goddard’s future and connect with other innovators at the OpenGoddard kickoff. Inspired by last month’s Yuri’s Night, OpenGoddard is an energized group of civil servants and contractors dedicated to creating the future of Goddard by enabling innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. Enjoy FREE pizza and ice cream (while supplies last) at OpenGoddard’s kickoff on Tuesday, May 20 from 12 pm – 1 pm. Come and meet some new folks and learn who they are and what they are up to at Goddard. Space Generation Advisory Council will sponsor the event.

Collaboration Discussion with Ames Research Center
May 20th at 1:30 pm; hosted by Rivers Lamb
Representatives from the Ames Strategic Leadership Bootcamp Team are in town to investigate strategies to infuse innovation and collaboration into NASA. This discussion is a chance to share our ideas on how we can be innovative and collaborative at Goddard!

Welcome to OpenGoddard!!!

2008-05-19T15:59:00.000-04:00

OpenGoddard is a grassroots initiative created out of a commitment to the future of Goddard Space Flight Center. The people of OpenGoddard are passionate and energetic about generating, embracing, and enabling new possibilities for the Center, particularly in the areas of communication, collaboration, and innovation. OpenGoddard welcomes folks of all ages, disciplines, and backgrounds who are committed to making a positive impact on the Center. OpenGoddard is a community where dreams are shared, people are empowered, potential is unleashed, and the future is created.