Every now and then, a routine Google search will take me down an unexpected path. Such was the case last week when a search for “plate tectonics” for my boys’ 8th grade earth science review yielded an interview with Steve Poulos, NASA’s Orbiter project manager following the space shuttle Columbia accident. The interview was part of the NASA Johnson Space Center Oral History Project that attempts to “capture history from the individuals who first provided the country and the world with an avenue to space and the moon.”
If you’re well-versed in earth science, you‘re probably wondering what this interview had to do with plate tectonics. Absolutely nothing. In fact, I have no idea why the keywords directed me to this particular site, but I’m glad it did.
What I found was some very valuable advice – not on technical topics related to space travel, but on highly relevant and timely issues pertaining to planning, teamwork and leadership. It was an easy read and before I knew it, I had finished the entire 25-page transcript without realizing my sons were still eagerly waiting on my sage earth science counsel. Sorry guys.
Nothing I read was particularly earth-shattering or, despite the NASA setting, rocket science. Instead, it was simple, practical advice on effective teamwork, leadership and project management. Things like:
· Always say “we”, never say “I”
· Always write it down
· If there’s a problem, don’t attack the person delivering the news; figure out how to solve it together
· Always surround yourself with good people
Like I said, nothing we haven’t seen or heard before - just some valuable tidbits that we all probably need to be reminded of from time to time. I know I do.
I’ve been reflecting on some of these takeaways in recent days, particularly the value of surrounding yourself with good people. I’ve been fortunate to work with some extremely talented and dedicated people during my time at McCombs, and Tessa Green would certainly be at the top of that list.
As you all know by now, Tessa will be leaving the TEMBA program at the end of the month to take on an exciting new challenge with the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, an academic research center that, ironically, studies plate tectonics along with marine geology, terrestrial and lunar seismology, quantitative geophysics and a host of other research topics I can barely spell, much less describe. While I’m very happy for Tessa and know this is a great opportunity, I hate to lose such a valuable member of the TEMBA team. To simply call Tessa “good people” would be a gross understatement. Her contributions to the TEMBA program have been extraordinary and the program’s success is a direct result of Tessa’s ingenuity, dedication and leadership.
So, thank you Tessa. Thank you for all you have done for the students, faculty, administration and alumni during your time with the program. TEMBA is much better because of you and for that we are all very grateful. We wish you all the best on your new endeavor and hope you’ll continue to keep in touch. After all, I could still use some help with this plate tectonics thing.
Note: Be sure to check your McCombs email for information on an upcoming get together in Tessa’s honor. Plans are being worked out now. Cheers!
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