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Corporate Newsletter: SureWest

Change In Action (CIA) Issue 1:
The Manifesto

October 9, 2001

It's been over a week (including two weekends) since we talked about how we're the PARTS of a whole BODY here at SureWest. We talked about personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning and systems thinking. Has it faded in your memory? If so, don't worry... that's why we've started a newsletter. We all need reminders!

>> THE CIA MANIFESTO

We are CIA agents: we model Change In Action. We are an informal team of determined volunteers committed to changing this company for the better. We believe this positive change must come about as a result of improving our own work habits, ethics, education and processes. This is the vision I hope you will share with me...

  • We pursue excellence whatever our circumstances.
  • We operate across all boundaries as independent agents and as unified teams.
  • We seek systemic solutions to systemic problems.
  • We deploy the resources we have for the highest strategic advantage.
  • We examine and improve both mental models and physical processes.
  • We strive for courage without arrogance and diplomacy without timidity.
  • We convert others to our cause by our positive example.
  • We respect the chain of authority without allowing it to become an excuse to fail.
  • We uphold the company's mission and values in everything we do.

Attached is a PDF file of the "CIA Agents Manifesto" that you can print. I recommend posting it within sight of your desk.

>> YOUR MISSION

As a CIA agent, your first mission (should you choose to accept it) is to print and internalize the manifesto above. In the context of what we discussed at the lunch seminar, ponder what each of the nine points means to you in your daily job. Make no mistake: there will be serious challenges as we try to apply these concepts. But together, we can make a difference.

We will be touching on each of the points of the manifesto in future newsletters. If you put some of these things into practice right away (or already practice them), start making note of specific examples you might be able to share in future discussions. Feel free to e-mail me about your experiences, so you can share them before they fade in your memory!

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
-- Johann Wolfgan von Goethe

See you in the hallways, change agents!

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Some ideas and definitions used in this newsletter were found in the "Fifth Discipline Fieldbook" by Senge, Kleiner, Roberts, Ross and Smith (ISBN 0-385-47256-0)