What do NASA and the UMC have in common?

On the way to work this morning I heard about a video produced by a NASA astronaut to share his findings about how innovative ideas are handled within the organization. The actors are all NASA employees, and the plot is based on real experiences.

Here, have a look. If you've dealt with UMC structure at any level of the church, I'm guessing you'll notice some organizational familiarities.

If you can't watch right now, I've transcribed some things that stood out to me....

- The phrase "silos of compartmentalization" appeared on-screen more than once. I've heard some of the folks at our boards and agencies talk about trying to break down the UMC's silos, and there's some evidence that it's happening.

- "Requirements stifle innovation." Take our ordination process as an example: Yes, of course we need standards and requirements for our clergy. But have we gone overboard? Some follow-up statements from the NASA video: "Complexity makes it tough to innovate"; "A very complex process leads to worrying about the process, not the outcome."

- Eventually, the innovative engineer in the video just gives up on NASA and goes to work for Google. When she receives encouragement from her supervisor in response to a new idea, "Guess he's never had to work for the Government, huh?" appears on-screen.

- The part that finally hits the church over the head with a clue-by-four: The Google supervisor tells the engineer, "In my mind, my responsibility is to work for you." And the on-screen message that follows: "It is called Servant Leadership."

Wow. There's a lot of overlap here. As I prepare for yet another meeting in which I sit on my butt for the Lord (or is it really just for the Church?) this week, it's a timely message.

Comments

[UMJeremy]

Fascinating...thanks Amy!

[guy m williams]

Our boards and agencies seem to contribute more to the "silos of compartmentalization" effect, at least as currently structured vis-a-vis one another and the college of bishops. These are all interesting points you highlight--thanks.

[rev mommy]

Have you checked with your supervisor to see if this is indeed appropriate to your level of involvement? What has been your experience with managerial hierarchy before?

=o)