About the Center
The Contemplative Sciences Center is a research and practice institute headquartered in the Contemplative Commons, a spectacular, serene, open-door facility at the University of Virginia. The Center promotes contemplative research and practices to enhance human flourishing among UVA students, staff, faculty, and community. The Center coordinates contemplative science research among universities and independent institutes around the world and works to catalyze research-supported practices that support human flourishing, ethical discernment, and compassion.
The journey we took together with the client
OE Consulting was both the strategy and search partner to the Center. Working closely with the Provost’s office, the board of directors, and the existing staff of the Center, OE identified a work plan to navigate through a difficult leadership transition and create the Center’s first professional strategic plan. The consensus among decision-makers was that the organization needed more solidity around its mission, identity, and strategy before seeking a permanent Director. Understanding the mission and strategy more deeply would tell us what kind of leader the Center would need.
Outcomes of our work
Having helped to place a talented interim leader, Dr. Martin Davidson, OE worked intimately with the organization, establishing a regular physical presence in Charlottesville, VA, to craft a long term strategic vision. With that vision in place, we went to work on an actionable, 3-year strategic plan. When the strategy became clear, we launched an international executive search, which culminated in the placement of Dr. Kelly Crace, who was leading a similar institution at the nearby College of William and Mary.
How we worked
Again, this work required our regular physical presence in Charlottesville and we were happy to be there. In addition to understanding the university as an institution and Charlottesville as a place to live, we were able to meet with deans, researchers, and students to get a sense of what our client intended, and what they were accomplishing. This was crucial in facilitating strategy and in attracting the right kind of personal leader. We also attended multiple meetings with the Interim Director in order to help support the new strategic framework. We cannot always be physically present, but here was another lesson of the power of being face-to-face.