Make Sure You’re Connected
Make Sure You’re Connected
If you’re of a certain age and you read this article’s title, a certain 1992 hip-hop/alternative/electronic classic might instantly pop into your head. (And if it didn’t, here’s a link. You’re welcome.) While Stereo MCs’ hit song was ostensibly about the lack of connection between human beings and our propensity to draw boundaries and separate ourselves into factions, it provides relatively little substantive information on how to get or stay connected. More’s the pity because couldn’t the whole world — especially in 2022 — use some help on that score?! Well, over the past two years, KBR has been absolutely committed to creating a variety of ways for our people to stay connected to what’s happening around the global business, to our customers, and to each other. This article highlights just a few of the new initiatives we’ve launched, or will be formally launching, this year — and there are more on the way! So without any further ado, click that link, turn up your audio, and learn how KBR is helping make sure you’re connected.
KBR Quarterly Town Halls
Keeping nearly 28,000 people apprised of a company’s progress and successes can be a tall order in normal circumstances, especially when that company’s portfolio is as diverse as KBR’s. The pandemic made that task even more challenging with increased reliance on virtual meetings and communications. However, KBR was committed to ensuring employees had access to current information through regular high-quality communications and outlets such as KBR Link, the In Orbit podcast, video series like People First, and more.
Fortunately, we’ve recently been able to return to some in-person information-sharing events, including the relaunch of KBR Quarterly Town Halls. For the first time since 2020, members of the global team of teams had the opportunity to hear directly from KBR leadership about our latest financial results and to learn more about the overall state of the company. At the first meeting, KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie and vice president of Investor Relations, Alison Vasquez, spoke about KBR’s Q1 2022 performance, the company’s very bright outlook and exciting developments on the horizon. They also fielded questions from the hundreds in attendance at KBR Tower in Houston, Texas, and from the virtual audience of 1,000. See what you missed at the Q1 Town Hall meeting.
Photos from Johnson Space Center Townhall, May 2022
Photos from Huntsville, Alabama Townhall, May 2022
KBR Agile Performance and Development
Traditionally, employee performance has been assessed using an annual rating process that tends to focus on past actions rather than focusing on the employee’s strengths and successes, their alignment to KBR’s mission and current business needs, and their development for the future. Furthermore, this legacy method can create separation between people leaders and team members and leave everyone feeling like they’re going through the motions of an administrative task instead of creating an environment of trust, collaboration, accountability and shared purpose. Enter KBR Agile Performance and Development. Last year, KBR launched two pilots to test this approach, which isn’t your ordinary annual review. The new process is about conversations, not documentation. It uses frequent (ideally quarterly) Check-ins between people leaders and employees that focus on: • Goals and clarifying and aligning priorities • Feedback and coaching • Development planning Ultimately, the goal is empowerment — to help our people take more ownership of their careers and development, and to create better, more effective leaders. This approach is also meant to foster connection on teams and to strengthen our ONE KBR culture. In his remarks at the May 2022 Quarterly Town Hall, Stuart Bradie announced that there would be a broader launch of this new approach beginning Summer 2022. Employees and people leaders can learn more about KBR Agile Performance and Development in this new digital guide.
New Video Series
KBR is always thinking of ways we can engage and connect with employees and customers alike through video. Already this year, we’ve launched two new series that are addressing two fundamental elements of our company’s identity — sustainability and safety. One of the new series is called Five In Ten: KBR Sustainable Technology in Focus. KBR’s Sustainable Technology Solutions business is setting the standard for solutions that are helping meet the world’s energy demands while also helping safeguard the planet for future generations. In this series, KBR subject matter experts break down topics such as ammonia, refining, olefins and our revolutionary plastics recycling technology, Hydro-PRTSM — you know, pretty complicated subject matter — and breaking it down in short, upbeat, easily digestible videos. The first episode of the series focused on decarbonization. In the video, Hari Ravindran explains to viewers what decarbonization is and how its focus has changed over time. He also highlights KBR’s decades of decarbonization expertise and several key initiatives across the Technology business that are providing customers with a business advantage while also reducing CO2 emissions. Watch the episode now.
Additionally, in early May, KBR launched Personal Perspectives – Experiences that Shaped My Journey with Safety, a series that highlights our Zero Harm safety culture through episodes featuring KBR employees speaking from the heart about moments that influenced their safety journeys. In the premier episode, vice president of HSSE Nick Anagnostou shares a story from early in his professional career that has been a driving factor in his 24/7 approach to safety. Watch the first episode of Personal Perspectives here.
The Morning Blend: KBR’s Monthly Manager Meetup
Assumption: Once someone rises to a position in which they lead people, it means they’ve got it all figured out and have nothing else to learn. Of course nothing could be further from the truth, and at KBR, there is an energized focus on further developing our leaders and helping them cultivate the skills that will make them more effective in guiding our diverse, agile workforce. One way we’re doing that is through The Morning Blend: KBR’s Monthly Manager Meetup. The Morning Blend brings together people managers from across KBR in virtual/in-person sessions where they can connect, learn and discuss what’s happening in the life of the company, all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Each monthly meetup features KBR news and updates, tips and tricks for more effective leadership, special guest speakers, and more. The first Morning Blend session focused on — you guessed it — connections. Leaders from KBR Global Marketing and Communications shared many different types of and opportunities for connection between teams and across the business. Upcoming sessions will include a deep dive on KBR’s professional development programs (e.g., Manager Excellence, ONE KBR Tech Fellows) and a look behind the scenes of KBR IT.
KBR People — In Person!
More and more, we’re seeing teams gathering in person, whether it’s for learning, for a good cause, or just for some good old-fashioned fun. Here are a few examples. The global Human Resources (HR) team spent a week in Washington, D.C. for an HR Summit. The team connected, collaborated and energized KBR’s vision for making our employee experience second to none. They also managed to squeeze in a little Segway sightseeing.
In early May, our UK IMPACT chapter hosted an event that connected members with senior leadership from across the EMEA region, who shared valuable insights and discussed KBR’s bright future. But it wasn’t all business! After chatting the group headed to Topgolf, where they teed off on burgers and some friendly competition on the driving range.
KBR’s Real Estate Solutions team in Houston recently sponsored a cornhole tournament (or just “bags” or just “beanbag toss” if you’d rather) at KBR Tower, pitting members of various functional business teams against one another for bragging rights.
Not to be outdone, the Houston ASPIRE chapter sponsored a “Picnic in the Park”, which included more beanbag-tossing frivolity, along with giant Jenga and chess, food trucks, and numerous booths for KBR ERGs, benefits providers, and the KBR Credit Union.
Many members of the KBR team Australia recently met one another for the first time in person at Ozwater 2022 — Australia’s most prominent international annual water conference and exhibition. In addition to experiencing the engaging and inspiring technical presentations and panel discussions, the KBR team also hosted client dinners, attended the conference gala dinner, and sponsored a happy hour.
