Dr. Steve Mason, president of LeTourneau University, shares about how to navigate cultural challenges while staying true to your mission, fostering trust in leadership, and cultivating a workplace that thrives with engaged employees.
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In this episode:
Establishing Organizational Health:
- Dr. Steve Mason highlights how LeTourneau University made organizational health a mission-critical objective, signaling its importance within the institution. (05:23)
- Teams were established and practical goals set to improve organizational health, emphasizing its priority to the entire campus. (06:11)
- Measures such as a standing university committee and a cabinet-level position focused on campus and community engagement were implemented to foster continuous improvement. (06:53)
Employee Well-being Initiatives:
- LeTourneau University introduced initiatives to support employee well-being, such as additional paid time-off days and recognition for community service hours. (08:18)
- Feedback from surveys, including the Best Christian Workplace Employee Engagement Survey, informed decisions to enhance benefits like healthcare plans, demonstrating a commitment to employee satisfaction and fulfillment. (11:11)
Building Trust in Leadership:
- Dr. Mason emphasizes the importance of trust and inclusion in leadership, citing the longevity of faculty and staff careers at the university as evidence of a supportive environment. (13:56)
- Regular communication channels, including faculty meetings and personal interactions, were established to maintain open dialogue and strengthen relationships between leadership and faculty. (17:27)
- The emphasis on authenticity and vulnerability in leadership fosters mutual trust and encourages a culture of transparency and collaboration. (17:51)
Encouragement for Leaders in Higher Education:
- Dr. Mason encourages leaders to prioritize personal connections with their teams and to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their leadership style. (19:58)
- Building trust through personal relationships is seen as essential for navigating difficult conversations and fostering a culture of mutual support and growth. (22:17)
- The importance of trusting in God's guidance and plans for the institution is highlighted as a source of reassurance and motivation for leaders amidst challenges and uncertainties. (24:36)
Continuous Improvement and Growth:
- Dr. Mason emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, even after achieving a healthy workplace level. (28:48)
- He discusses the need to identify areas for growth and maintain momentum in all aspects of organizational health. (29:18)
Leadership Development and Prioritization:
- Dr. Mason highlights the importance of helping employees develop their skills and expertise. (29:25)
- He acknowledges the challenges of shifting priorities and the need for ongoing leadership development. (30:47)
Integration of Athletics and Mission:
- Dr. Mason explains how LeTourneau University integrates athletics into its mission and vision. (33:45)
- He discusses structural changes made to elevate athletics within the institution and emphasizes the role of athletics in holistic student experiences. (35:20)
Navigating Social and Cultural Issues:
- Dr. Mason discusses the challenges of navigating social and cultural issues while staying true to the university's Christian foundation. (38:35)
- He emphasizes the importance of prayer, selecting mission-aligned trustees, and rigorous faculty hiring processes. (38:56)
Impact of Organizational Health:
- Dr. Mason reflects on the correlation between organizational health and student, donor, and alumni experiences. (43:17)
- He explains how a healthy workplace culture positively impacts sustainability and the future of the institution. (44:19)
Encouragement for Other Leaders:
- Dr. Mason encourages other leaders to embrace the journey toward organizational health, despite potential challenges. (48:06)
- He highlights the benefits of openness to feedback and the courage required to address areas of weakness. (48:22)
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