Director's Message

March 23, 2007

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Director

"Nothing is as frustrating as arguing with someone who knows what he's talking about."
~Sam Ewing

One of the things that makes writing this weekly letter so enjoyable for me is the fact that I receive so many interesting responses from you. Your comments give me new perspectives on issues and help generate new ideas. I try to respond personally to all your responses, because I believe that dialogue and exchanging ideas is vitally important.

Sometimes you share my views; other times you point out my errors or oversights, or disagree with my approach. But the important thing is that you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts. I also appreciate the fact that the dialogue is substantive and considerate.

That's exactly the kind of open communications I want to foster in this agency. I want all of us to be able to talk with our co-workers and supervisors openly and without feeling constrained by hierarchy. And as we do that, I would hope we keep in mind the importance of talking to each other respectfully.

An organization where people feel free to speak up, where managers welcome discussion and staff are comfortable expressing their concerns is going to be a much more pleasant and successful organization than one without open communications. When we encourage open discussion within DHS we hear new points of view and gain exposure to a range of unique perspectives. And, as a result, we learn new and better ways of living and working.

That's the kind of organization I want us to be.

Many of my weekly messages involve big-picture policy issues such as the need to ensure that everyone has access to health care and the importance of helping to lift people from poverty. Those are important issues. But equally important is that we as individuals and as an organization are able to grow and thrive. I believe a key aspect of an organization's success is the ability and willingness of its employees to communicate ideas and concerns. It is that sharing of thoughts and viewpoints that helps everyone succeed. It is what will help us achieve our mission.

Just as DHS employees have continued to provide a variety of perspectives during our presentations before the Legislature, so we all should be willing to share and listen to each other's thoughts. We all benefit by being willing to listen to and incorporate multiple viewpoints into our decision-making.

Each one of us is an important part of this agency, and I hope we will continue to recognize that fact in our communications with each other.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.