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Make Things Happen

Find out more about our behavioural theme: Make Things Happen.

We meet challenges. We are positive, organised and empowering, driving work forward.

What does Make Things Happen mean at the University?

Damian Murphy discusses the importance of Make Things Happen as part of his work at the University.

As a colleague

I get things done with a proactive, positive and organised approach.

I am successful when...

• I am proactive, seeking solutions and making decisions confidently
• I am organised, recognising priorities and planning my time and workload to get things done
• I am diligent and work accurately
• I have a positive attitude and help build this in others

When leading people

I take responsibility for progressing my work and the work of my team, embracing complex challenges and motivating others.

I am successful when...

• I progress work, highlighting priorities, allocating resources and co-ordinating others
• I show, dedication and perseverance in the pursuit of challenging and complex objectives
• I take responsibility, actively contributing to get things done
• I am prepared to make difficult judgements and decisions

When leading the organisation

I meet challenges. I empower, support and energise others to drive work forward.

I am successful when...

• I move work forward, owning issues and progressing things through to completion
• I empower others to make decisions and take ownership of their work
• I support others to drive their work, clarifying my expectations and my role as a point of escalation and advice
• I share my commitment to meeting, energising and inspiring others
• I encourage an environment of recognition, helping others feel genuinely valued and rewarded for their contributions

I've always had an interest in how the right culture and community can help foster a sense of belonging, connection and commitment among colleagues. Alongside my role leading comms and engagement activities for S&AS projects, I have specific responsibility to help develop our Directorate culture and engagement activities. I established and led the Student and Academic Services Managers’ Network, for example, which aims to build a connected, inclusive and supportive community for all our managers. Managers have such a critical role to play in the organisation; they need to be empowered, inspired and valued in order to drive work forward in positive ways. Leading initiatives like the Managers’ Network, and working with a wide range of colleagues from across departments, is what motivates and energises me and keeps me learning all the time.

Vanya Gallimore - Development Partner, People and Organisational Development (formerly Projects Engagement Manager, Student and Academic Services)

Next steps

If you’re keen to develop in this area, you can explore a wide range of opportunities available to you at the University. Here are some suggestions to take a look at:

A large red brick country house surrounded by a green lawn, rectangular pond and white stone sculpture.