The Sykes College of Business is undergoing a massive reaccreditation initiative. Having external stakeholders validate our quality is a nerve-racking, time-consuming, and exhausting exercise that involves all faculty, staff, and multiple other stakeholders of the college. The ultimate goal? Getting better at what we do as an institution of higher learning. The continuous challenge? Are our students academically prepared for the business world? Do they have the skills that companies compete for when they evaluate talent? Do we deliver on our promise?
It is a great idea for organizations to have an external set of eyes validate their quality. The process requires significant self-study, significant soul searching, and an enormous effort. The goal is to set aside our personal biases — “we are perfect” — and dig deep to find areas for improvement, with an eye towards getting better, and an eye on excellence.
I think it’s time for businesses to take a page out of our book. Who says those who teach can’t do?
About Hemant Rustogi