Unlocking Success through Cooperation: Lessons from the DOE Complex
This presentation by Virgene Mulligan, Vice President of ARS International, emphasizes the vital role of cooperation in enhancing the quality of services across the Department of Energy (DOE) Complex. It explores key elements such as teamwork, communication, diversity, adaptability, and creative freedom, advocating for a shift from confrontation to collaboration. By sharing insights on commitment and trust, the speaker highlights how cooperative efforts have led to significant improvements and stronger relationships among all stakeholders. Together, we can navigate challenges and achieve shared goals.
Unlocking Success through Cooperation: Lessons from the DOE Complex
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Presentation Transcript
IT WORKS!!! Virgene Mulligan ARS International Vice President, Laboratory Services
What is “It”? COOPERATION NOT CONFRONTATION
But the objectives have always been the same: • To Provide Consistent Quality throughout the DOE Complex • To Develop a Unique Cooperation between the DOE and the Subcontractor communities
What is Cooperation? • Teamwork (Cooperation): Active participation in, and facilitation of, team effectiveness; taking actions that demonstrate consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Active cooperation by every member is vital to team success.
Why is cooperation important? • It increases productivity • It builds a stable infrastructure • It aids in development of a vision • It promotes success not failure
Key elements of effective cooperation • Commitment and Trust • Communication • Diversity • Adaptability • Creative Freedom
Commitment and Trust • Everyone must be fully committed to achieving the goals • There must be trust among the participants • Probably the most difficult to attain but in the long run, the most beneficial • It has taken several years to get close. . .Needed buy-in from DOE, the sites, the laboratories and the TSDFs
Communication • There must be open lines of communication • There should never be a hesitancy to communicate not only issues and concerns, but also successes • DOECAP has always promoted open communication at all phases of the program • The biggest issue is listening
Diversity • A wide range of competencies promotes a the ability to meet a wide range of challenges • DOE has recognized the varied competencies of its auditors, the laboratories and the TSDFs and uses those competencies to benefit the program • In addition, the audited community has acknowledged the unique capabilities of the laboratories and TSDFs and has begun to work together to support DOE
Adaptability • Change is unavoidable • Must be flexible and adaptable to changing conditions • Adaptability goes hand-in-hand with commitment and trust and is another area that still needs to evolve in the DOECAP community – There is still an apparent resistance to change
Creative Freedom • All members should be able to think creatively and trust others to listen openly to their thoughts • DOE provides forums for input • Annual Meeting • Document review (QSAS) • Direct communication with the DOECAP operations team • Again, trust is an important factor and we are not completely there yet
In Conclusion: • While there are several areas that can still be improved, the overall successes definitely outweigh the limitations • The audited community has realized considerable improvements since the onset of the DOECAP program • The quality of services provided to the DOE has been improved exponentially • Beneficial relationships have been created between all parties
COOPERATION IT WORKS!!!!