Dean’s address: Strategies to reach our North Star

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing

Can you believe it’s been 18 months since I arrived in the beautiful state of Nebraska!  Much has changed in such a short amount of time.  We are now in phase II of our organizational changes. Since the fall, we have engaged in a visioning process with CFAR, an organizational culture consulting firm to clearly identify our North Star! 

We requested input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners in this process. We heard you, and appreciate the feedback to help us clearly define the future direction of the college. As we face uncertainty, we are even more determined to remain steadfast, resilient and committed to the important work that we have been entrusted. 

As we continue to navigate through uncertain times, it’s essential that we remain focused on our goals. The challenges we face can often feel overwhelming, but I prefer to see it as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Here are a few strategies to help us steady the ship, stay on course, and arrive at our destination:

1. Embrace Change: Adaptability is key. Let’s view challenges as opportunities to rethink our strategies and approaches. Change can lead to new ideas and improvements.

2. Clear Communication: Open and honest communication fosters collaboration and trust. Let’s keep the lines of dialogue open, sharing our thoughts, concerns, and, more importantly, solutions.

3. Focus on Our Vision: With our new vision statement, keeping our long-term goals in mind will help us prioritize our efforts and maintain our momentum. Let’s revisit our mission and vision to remind ourselves of “why” we are doing this work.

4.  Support Each Other: We are stronger together. Let’s cultivate a supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Encouragement and teamwork can propel us forward.

5. Lifelong Learning: Uncertainty often brings new challenges that require new skills. Let’s embrace learning opportunities that will enhance our capabilities and prepare us for what’s ahead.

Together, we can rise above uncertainty and emerge even stronger. Let’s remain steadfast, resilient and committed to our goals. Helen Keller said it well, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

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