Reflections on our Culture Code during a Global Pandemic
Relying on shared values and a shared approach to our work has never been more important, as we navigate a new normal during the COVID-19 crisis.
Organizational culture, as defined by Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Edgar Schein, is “a way of working together toward common goals that have been followed so frequently and so successfully that people don’t even think about trying to do things another way. If a culture has formed, people will autonomously do what they need to do to be successful.”
Our culture is the foundation of who we are, what we do, and how we do it.
Relying on shared values and a shared approach to our work has never been more important, as we navigate a new normal during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Our team are sharing their reflections on our culture code, from how our culture principles are keeping them motivated to helping them navigate these uncertain circumstances.
Make it Shine
“I love make it shine. I love to excel in everything I try to do and this principle has guided me, especially during this period. I always look forward to making everything exceptional even when it feels like ‘well done’ is enough. It has made studying from home so much more fun, even when it’s not ideal!”
- Marie Grace Ishimwe, Davis College Student Guild President
Cut the Cake
“My favorite culture principle is cut the cake. During this challenging and uncertain period staying positive is key. We need to celebrate wins, appreciate the people we work with and show gratitude more than ever before. We can also look forward to a huge party when this is all over.”
- Natasha Sukiranya, Director of Human Resources
Embrace a Growth Mindset
“Given the situation we are currently in, it is not easy to keep the spirit up. I try to see things with a new perspective and embrace a growth mindset. The nature of my job involves interacting with students a lot, which of course is not possible during this time, but I have never and will never let the circumstances set limits to what I can do to support our students during this time. This principle has helped me to figure out so many alternatives I can use to make things work.”
- Cosette Ikirezi, Careers Officer
Practice Radical Transparency
“To practice radical transparency is my absolute favorite culture code! The environment we work in is one of extremes. A day can consist of both extreme ambiguity (a team needing to solve the problem of distributing tech devices to our students under strict lockdown — no roadmap included) and at the same time extreme structure (our academic team developing curriculum that is both groundbreaking and fits the criteria required by our employment partners to ensure successful work placement for our graduates). Because of this, it is absolutely essential that Davis College employees practice and embrace radical transparency.
Innovation and thinking outside the box is the norm at our organization, but when paired with radical transparency (open and honest feedback and delivering difficult news with grace and kindness; knowledge sharing to help others grow; seeing mistakes as an opportunity for growth; and acting with integrity) we create a trusting and supportive working environment. One where we grow and learn as individuals and as teams, and where we focus on getting the job done!”
- Therese Webb, Chief of Staff
Draw the Owl
“Draw the owl is my middle name. An owl is so hard to draw, but once you start drawing it, you’ve already passed the first test and you are stepping out of your comfort zone and thinking outside the box. Drawing the owl requires an open mindset and flexibility. Once you draw it, you can share with your team members so they can help you draw better — and improve your work. I relate this to how we are doing distance learning currently. It’s something our students and faculty have never tried in the past. Our entire team all took on this challenge gracefully and we have collectively drawn a magnificent owl.”
- David Maeri, Dean of Students
Seek to Serve
“Seek to serve is my go-to culture code principle. During this time when everyone is struggling, it is more important than ever to focus on service instead of self-interest. We have to ensure that we get through this together as a community.”
- Nicola Karugaba, Global Recruitment Manager
Champion the Environment
“Every day, I’m proud to be working alongside colleagues who are committed to being champions of the environment. I think the way that sustainability is embedded into our organizational culture and academic pillars is quite unique. It informs how we do things (e.g. eliminating plastic on campus), but it also directly relates to what we do — since we know that educating women and girls is among the top ten solutions to addressing climate change. It’s inspiring to see the impact that our collective efforts can have, especially during this difficult period when so much in the world seems uncertain.”
- Siobhán Rees, Global Marketing Manager
