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Originally Posted by McMaxwell
Kieran,
In one of the other threads you mention the idea of bringing in an external consultant to help set a long term direction for the MSU which I think is one of the best ideas brought forth by any candidate thus far.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by McMaxwell
HOWEVER, and I'm sure the professional would help with this anyway, how do you plan on keeping future teams accountable to the plan you're going to lay out?
On another note, in dealing with a group such as the SRA, whose very nature produces a sometimes turbulent or unproductive environment (30 opinionated people will always produce arguments and conflicts so this is in no means an attack on the SRA) how do you plan on keeping that organization on the same page? A year plan will set direction for everyone but I'm more interested in how you'll get everyone walking TOWARDS that same direction.
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Hey James excellent question.
The MSU is unique because of the different nature of its departments. Between the business units, services and lobbying efforts we need a business plan dynamic enough to allow the operations of the MSU to continue efficiently while also allowing the different people in the MSU to work on their own projects that align with the values and mission of the MSU.
We need to ensure that the consistent elements of the MSU are aligned with the plan. While there is yearly turnover with most positions, the nature of jobs within the MSU stay the same year-to-year. We need to rewrite job descriptions to reflect the direction of the MSU's strategy. This also allows a proper culture to develop within the MSU where the full-time staff find their jobs are made much easier because it all aligns to a long-term plan.
Finally we need to make sure there is proper transition between years. A publicly available strategic plan will help Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates make platforms that go with our goals. We then need to develop good ways to transition so that projects and priorities of previous administrations are kept as priorities. Along with this is the proper buy in from all parties, be it fulltime staff, part time staff, volunteers, students in general, the SRA and the Board of Directors. If people feel that this is something they worked on and feel a part of it then they will be more likely to ensure its success.
In my opinion, all student leaders care about the same thing, making Mac a better place and the MSU a better organization. It is therefore not hard to get people motivated for the same thing. If we have it on paper people will understand it better, and we can align our interest of making McMaster the best university with the actions we take.
With a proper implementation, the MSU will see tangible results, and these results will motivate future Presidents to align their goals to the MSU's direction. Even in an environment like the MSU with many different opinions, results speak wonders. Nobody wants to make Union Market any different, so why would they try to change anything else that works?
My writing style is completely natural and effortless and not at all a means to hide deficiencies of any sort.
