Follow-Up to Agency Culture Survey and Feedback

In May 2012, a random sample of Heartland AEA staff was asked to respond to a survey that could be compared to high performing organizations. This survey provided baseline information on the current state of our culture or “how we do things around here.” The results of this survey were highlighted during the all staff meeting in August and additional review has occurred in work groups and regional meetings over the past few months. 

In addition to the steps that each staff group has identified that they can take to contribute to a positive agency culture, the Agency Planning Council (APC) is also taking specific steps: 

• Attending planning council/operations meetings to assist with two-way communication throughout the Agency. 
• Adjusting the assignment of Regional Director Jim Verlengia to provide coordination of agency culture-building efforts. As a part of this coordination, Jim will establish on office in Room 10 of the Johnston Regional Education Center to more immediately be available to assist in coordination of workplace suggestions and concerns. 
• Hosting several small group conversations in multiple office locations as an open forum for staff to ask questions and/or provide input for additional steps that can contribute to an improved agency culture. 

 We appreciate the steps so many staff members are taking to improve our organizational effectiveness and ask for your continued participation and comments to assist us as we work toward a culture that is goal-oriented, supports staff learning and creatively manages challenges and change.