NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

By: Denise Lineberry

"We had a unique experience. It was the first of its kind for NASA, at least in my 25 years, where 500 folks from across the agency gathered for a leadership summit," said Center Director Lesa Roe at an all-hands meeting on Thursday in the Reid Conference Center.

Roe said one of the first things NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden communicated at the summit was that he wanted to put extra emphasis on the first "A" in NASA – speaking of aeronautics.

Also emphasized at the summit were the interrelated core values of NASA, which include safety, excellence, team and integrity. "He expects leadership, not management," Roe said of Bolden.

Center Director Lesa Roe reports the information she received from a leadership summit to the employees at NASA Langley. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith

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She explained that Bolden discussed the importance of not only being a mentor in leadership, but also continuing to be mentored. One of Bolden’s own mentors spoke at the leadership summit – General Anthony Zinni, USMC (Ret.). Zinni shared three things that he thought made a good leader: competency, being a decent person and providing a quality product.

The NASA administrator also has his own ideas for shaping leaders at each of the centers. "Bolden wants us to collaborate with other agencies and industries," Roe said. "Aeronautics was singled out."

And beyond work expectations, there are personal expectations. Roe explained that Bolden expects us to look after the well-being of each other and to be involved in community service.

Roe stated that the Augustine report was one of Bolden’s top priorities and that NASA administration is actively engaging senior leadership in the report’s progress.

Plans discussed at the leadership summit included extending the International Space Station (ISS) through 2020 and using it better, enabling transportation of cargo and humans through lower earth orbit and successfully launching Ares 1-X.

"Depending on the budget, we have to adjust the pace in which we get there," Roe said.

Roe discussed NASA’s lead on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education for the nation. She shared that Bolden sees the potential in this task by using additional resources.

An Institutional Realignment and Recovery (IRRP) project has been formed. Roe is a part of the project along with other center directors and deputy mission directors.

The purpose of this project, led by NASA’s deputy administrator Lori Garver, is to focus on aligning the infrastructure with NASA’s mission needs. Roe wanted to make it clear that it is not a study. "We will be developing and implementing policy as we go," she said.

According to Roe, Bolden wants to give some power back to the centers. "It’s not about control," she said. "We need accountability at the centers and also to utilize the great talents."

Outreach was also emphasized. "Bolden clearly expects all of us to be out talking to the public and students," Roe said.

Lelia Vann, head of the Science Directorate responded to this idea with an idea of her own – that we should not only be communicating, but connecting.

Director of the Strategic Relationships Office Rich Antcliff added to the discussion by sharing that NASA Langley has the resources available to make those connections with the public and with students.

Antcliff also pointed out to employees that the characteristics mentioned in the meeting are for everyone … not just the managers.


 
NASA Langley Research Center
Managing Editor: Jim Hodges
Executive Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry
Editor and Curator: Denise Lineberry