Being a resident of Ruston now for a little over two years, an alum of La Tech, an avid La Tech athletic follower, and a tuition paying parent of a La Tech student, I try to stay abreast of the major issues impacting the University. The financial concerns are real with staffing shortages noted throughout various colleges on the campus. The concerns aren’t unique to La Tech as these same financial challenges are impacting schools all over the nation.
Athletics are also getting a lot of attention after recently wrapping up another 3-9 season in football. Many will refer to financial limitations as a key factor impacting these results as well. Coincidently, La Tech does rank at the bottom of CUSA in its annual athletic spending budget.
It seems like money is at the heart of every discussion on challenges impacting La Tech. The question is whether the University can increase the revenue streams, further reduce expenses, or some combination of the two depending on whether we are looking at the University’s educational focus or athletic programs.
Whether we are talking about financial concerns impacting the educational aspect or the challenges of running a successful Division One athletic program, let’s consider two things. They are complimentary of one another, and the process to address both is similar to what can be done to improve any organization facing stiff challenges.
Acknowledge where you stand: The first step is to have the hard, honest discussion regarding your strengths, weaknesses, and inherent challenges faced. Be willing to ask hard questions and talk through reality, not what you desire. This first step is a realistic view of a vision that could become reality.
Refocus on the core: The second step is to refine the focus. When facing challenges, it is key for any organization to simplify the focus back to the core purpose. Why do we exist? What is our purpose at the core? How would we define success within the framework of a realistic view of our potential?
Simplify to execute: Many organizations will add layers of management, add work requirements, or add other layers of complexity to address challenging environments. I would suggest just the opposite. Simplify, streamline, and scale down to focus on executing the basic elements needed to drive that core focus on a consistent level. Get the necessary people in the right places but reduce layers of overhead and oversight.
Modify the strategy: It’s not always a matter of working harder. Sometimes, the organization is working too hard already. Working harder on the wrong things just wastes time and increases disappointment. Don’t be headstrong. Change the strategy to get focused on making an impact.
Be intentional with identity: Culture will matter if you can’t compete on other levels. Accentuating strengths, embracing limitations, and being willing to do things outside the norm will be necessary to differentiate. A unique identity provides a differentiating position for an organization to compete when faced with limited resources and challenging obstacles.
Those are just five steps that any organization can undertake to move forward in challenging times. For La Tech, just maybe that is the formula to both operate at a higher level and to attract more revenue streams. Excellence generates value, and value enhances and attracts revenue streams.
In all honesty, this process may be something you want to consider for your organization or even personally. The concepts apply equally to all.
For now, I’ll keep making those tuition payments, buying those athletic tickets, and supporting the university any way I can.
