By Julie Nuter, Chief Human Resources Officer
The staff in Human Resource Services is committed to working as a team with our partners across the laboratory to create and sustain our world-class community of talent. The Argonne Leadership Institute is an important resource in these efforts.
This fall several listening sessions were conducted by Kensington International to assist us in charting a path for the Leadership Institute’s future. More than 70 individuals participated in interviews or focus groups. I’d like to express my gratitude to all who participated.
Kensington has submitted a report summarizing the feedback from these sessions. It identifies common themes in two categories: what is working well and adding value, and future opportunities.
We learned the climate survey was highly valued, and employees were impressed with actions taken based on survey results. We also learned there is a desire for more alignment and integration of diversity and inclusion objectives across the lab. We plan to reflect this in an updated charter for the Lab Director’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council.
We also learned that stakeholders view the Leadership Institute as a source of solutions, their voices and concerns are heard by the Leadership Institute, and their needs and challenges are understood.
The report made clear there is a strong desire for learning and development at the lab. It also recommends that the Leadership Institute focus on strategy and increased transparency and communication.
The report has given us valuable information to help plan how to chart a course for the Leadership Institute that builds on its successes and further helps us to:
- Advance a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment
- Build organizational capability of all employees — leaders, managers and employees
- Ensure readiness for the future and continued mission impact
The first action we will take is to move forward with the search for a Leadership Institute director. This will kick off soon. Immediately following that hire, we will secure a Diversity and Inclusion manager and a Learning and Development manager to take these important efforts forward.
You can read more about what we heard in these listening sessions. The report is available here. Count on us over the coming months to keep you updated on how the Leadership Institute is moving into the future. If you have questions about the listening sessions report or the Leadership Institute, please contact us at leadershipinstitute@anl.gov