DATE: July 16, 1997
TO: Members of the MIT Community
FROM: [signed] Joan Rice
Just about a year ago, I urged you to participate with the HRPD team in our initial efforts to help MIT design human resource practices that are the most suitable for the Institute. The experiences, ideas and concerns you communicated to the team helped in a large way to identify where we need to concentrate our efforts going forward. The areas recommended for further study are far reaching and will require continued, open dialogue among us all.
While the goal is to create a workplace that attracts, retains, develops, and rewards the very best staff, it is important to remember that we have to operate within the financial constraints of our limited budget.
Recently, I had occasion to review a letter from our late colleague, Constantine Simonides, in which he spoke eloquently about the importance of communication,
The reasons for focusing on communications are both symbolic and substantive. The symbolism of rapid change and the prospects of budget cutting and retrenchment create tension and pressures that are often divisive in a working community. We need to counter these pressures -- to stay closer together throughout this period of intensive review and transition. We need to emphasize collaboration, encourage exchange, and sharpen understanding of our respective views and our thoughts and feelings -- both our agreements and our differences. Substantively, we should also share important information about who is doing what and try to dispel any fears or concerns that are unfounded.
These words are as poignant and relevant now as they were in April of 1994.
The HRPD Team will be holding Information Sessions about the scope of their work on the following dates from 12:10-12:50 p.m.
I urge you to attend and participate in the discussions. Thank you for helping with this important work.
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