HomeMy WebLinkAboutCharting Our Course Embracing Growth Together1
Tom Thiersch
From:Nevey, Steve <neveys@wsdot.wa.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6:35 AM
Subject:Charting Our Course: Embracing Growth Together
To the Washington State Ferries Team,
Today, I want to highlight our third shared value, "Grow. We celebrate each other’s successes and learn from our
mistakes."
Since the early days of my Ɵme with WSF, I've been advocaƟng for a shiŌ from a blame culture to one centered around
learning. That's why the inclusion of this value among WSF’s five core values resonates deeply with me.
In a blame culture, the emphasis is on finding fault and assigning responsibility when things go wrong. Centered on a belief
that discipline is the best way to force compliance, it oŌen leads to a defensive environment where individuals are hesitant
to admit mistakes for fear of repercussions. On the other hand, a learning culture fosters an environment where mistakes
are viewed as opportuniƟes for growth and improvement. Rather than assigning blame, the focus is on understanding the
root causes of issues, sharing insights, and implemenƟng soluƟons collaboraƟvely. It encourages open communicaƟon,
conƟnuous learning, and innovaƟon, creaƟng a more resilient and adaptable organizaƟonal culture. Over the coming weeks
and months, you will begin to hear how we intend to make significant progress in this area through new quality assurance
processes.
As well as learning from our mistakes it’s essenƟal that we celebrate our successes, whether it be on an individual, team, or
department level. There are many great things going on at WSF, and you are going to see a push from me to ‘tell our story.’
A big part of that is creaƟng purposeful processes for rewards and recogniƟon. The operaƟons department has already
begun working to find ways to improve the ways in which we recognize and reward success. As assistant secretary, I intend
to scale that work to the enƟre organizaƟon. Rewarding and recognizing employees fosters a posiƟve work culture that is
built on appreciaƟon and support.
Here are some ways we can all contribute to fostering the value of 'Grow' at WSF:
• AcƟvely parƟcipate in feedback sessions and discussions, sharing insights and construcƟve suggesƟons for
improvement.
• Take ownership of personal development by seeking opportuniƟes for learning and skill enhancement.
• Foster a supporƟve environment by offering construcƟve feedback and encouragement to colleagues.
• Engage in cross-departmental collaboraƟon to leverage diverse perspecƟves and experƟse.
• Embrace a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportuniƟes for development and innovaƟon.
• Recognize and celebrate the achievements of teammates, fostering a culture of appreciaƟon and camaraderie.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best pracƟces, applying new knowledge to enhance performance and
efficiency.
• Lead by example in demonstraƟng a commitment to conƟnuous improvement and professional growth.
Your crucial role in our journey toward growth is sincerely appreciated. Should you have any quesƟons or wish to share
successes and learning experiences, please feel free to reach out.
The survey link provided in previous messages remains open for your input: Washington State Ferries 2024 Survey
(surveymonkey.com)
As always, thank you for all that you do.
2
Regards,
Steve
Steve Nevey (he, him)
Assistant Secretary | Washington State Ferries
C. 206-697-1584 | E. Neveys@wsdot.wa.gov