Several months ago, shortly after the budget reductions were announced, a team member asked me if it was difficult to lead during such challenging times. It was a natural question, especially given the past seven years of institutional instability.
My response may have been surprising. I shared that, in fact, I find it more motivating to lead in uncertain times. A mentor once told me, “Anyone can lead when resources—people, time, and money—are plentiful. It is in uncertain times that the difference between good organizations and great organizations becomes clear.”
In times like these, great organizations embrace not just one, but three essential mindsets—growth, people, and purpose.
- A growth mindset encourages us to look inward, reinvent how we operate, and remain open to doing things differently. It fuels imagination about what is possible while keeping us thoughtful in how ideas are implemented.
- A people mindset reminds us that success or failure often depends on how we support one another, recognizing that we are in this together and united around a common purpose.
- A purpose mindset provides clarity about why we exist and how we measure success. At MSU, that purpose is reflected in delivering outstanding Spartan experiences, enabling technology for success, ensuring safety across our community, keeping the university running around the clock, and serving the needs of our people.
Operational excellence is built on these three mindsets. Like the legs of a three-legged stool, they work together to provide balance, stability, and strength. Each on its own has value, but together they guide us through uncertainty and elevate our performance. Most importantly, they keep us focused on what matters most—the Spartans we support.
Together, we can expand on the great work already underway, such as launching the Security Operations Center, transitioning websites to the Sitecore content management system, and much more. Last week, the Office of the EVPA toured MSU Surplus and Recycling and learned the process for turning leaves and food waste into compost and how tens of millions of pounds of recyclables and used items are managed and sorted every year. That is what operational excellence means at MSU.
Simply put, we get better every day so that Spartans can thrive.
Go Green!