UCIT: A True Transformation

Last week one of our long-time partners agreed to share how she experiences working with us. Emily Baute is the Public Information Officer at the University of Cincinnati’s Information Technology (UCIT). She has been working closely with Meghan since 2012 when UCIT began an organizational transformation.

As I sat across from Emily, I felt creativity and calm all at once. Emily is the UCIT Community Storyteller, a role similar to mine at M E Clarke Consulting. I immediately felt at ease. She shared with me how Meghan helped UCIT, including their Chief Information Officer (CIO) and lead team, chart their new path, create a transition management plan and launch a new committee structure.

Within UCIT’s new organizational structure, Meghan facilitated conversations, drawing on individual strengths and differences to creatively drive the whole organization forward. UCIT is now headed toward a more people-centered culture. Emily said, “Meghan helps us know how to do that. Sometimes we get caught up in the goal and forget about the path–people are the path,” and, “Meghan helps us maximize people’s potential in order to reach the organization’s goals.” With the new committees in place, UCIT began implementing new initiatives, such as the Leadership Academy, and developing a Diversity and Inclusion matrix for their employees.

Meghan designs and facilitates the monthly Leadership Academy sessions. I asked Emily, what effect the Leadership Academy has had on the workplace. The answer: it helps leaders know each other and their strengths, which is critical for working well together. M E Clarke couldn’t have said it better. When everyone knows their value on the team and communicates, it makes for a happier, healthier workplace. Click here to see pictures from the Leadership Academy team building session!

Next Emily and I reviewed the Diversity and Inclusion trainings launched in December. They were jointly organized by the Office for Equal Opportunity and Access and UCIT’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee; Meghan helped plan, organize, and facilitate the trainings. Because of the training, UCIT is emerging as a diversity leader on campus. Their hard work was recognized when UCIT was the recipient of the very prestigious Dr. Marian Spencer Diversity Ambassador Award at the University of Cincinnati’s Diversity Conference. This is a huge honor for the organization.

Emily was excited to talk about the future of UCIT and their on-going partnership with Meghan. “The future is bright! We’re working on how we fit into the University, as well as staying true to our vision and to each other.” She said the value of working with Meghan will continue to be reaped well into the future. “The value of working with M E Clarke Consulting is hard to qualify. You can’t put numbers to people who are happy and working well together, you can only see the value over time.”

During my conversation with Emily, it was obvious that Meghan has gained a deep respect and trust within the organization. Emily said, “Meghan helps us chart the course AND course correct. She is in tune with our vision and helps us stay true to our goals.”It is one thing to work with an organization short-term but it is another thing all together to partner with them to create sustainable change in a large organization. That is what Meghan is doing.

Meghan was with UCIT when the transformation process began and continues the strategic partnership in the implementation phase. M E Clarke Consulting is eager to continue the journey by discovery with UCIT!