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Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Direct from the Director
— ITD vision —

ITD employees,
Last month, I explained my leadership style and expectations of the department. My leadership style and expectations are guided by a vision for the department and employees. Sharing a common vision allows us to be consistent in our operations and decision-making. I believe you will find yourself and your job duties in each element of the vision.

The overriding vision for the department is this: be the best transportation department in the country. We can tell our customers the good things we do, and say we are the best, but if we have to tell someone how good we are, then we may not be as good as we think. Our customers have to see and believe we are the best.

As I stated in my previous “Direct from the Director,” actions speak louder than words. Goals must be measurable. We will be recognized as the best when two things happen: first, when other transportation agencies contact us to see how we do things; and second, when the Governor points to ITD as the “go to” agency and tells other state agencies to operate like our Department. Only then will I acknowledge that we are the best. It will take work to reach the top, but even more work to stay there once we arrive.

Adopting the vision outlined below will allow us to reach the top.

  • ITD strives to continually get better with the goal of being the best transportation department in the country.
  • ITD is transparent, accountable and delivers on its promises.
  • ITD seeks to be more effective and to save costs through increased efficiencies.
  • ITD provides extraordinary customer service.
  • ITD uses partnerships effectively.
  • ITD values teamwork and uses it as a tool to improve.
  • ITD places a high value on its employees and their development.

Here is a brief outline of the vision. I will expand on each area in future editions of “Direct from the Director.”

ITD strives to continually get better with the goal of being the best transportation department in the country.

Idaho taxpayers deserve the best transportation system possible. We must invest their money wisely. This means improving how we operate and continually looking for ways to be even better. While I want us to incorporate best practices from other states and agencies, I want our mindset to be we will become the standard in the transportation field. We will be the department others turn to.

ITD is transparent, accountable and delivers on its promises.

This is about credibility. We will not promise what we cannot deliver. And when we do promise, we must deliver. Accountability means being responsible for accomplishing a goal or assignment. Our accountability program will be a helpful and progressive method of assigning and completing work and will create a safe climate for improved solutions and change.

ITD seeks to be more effective and to save costs through increased efficiency.

You and I are stewards of the taxpayer’s money. We must strive to spend these dollars as effectively and as cost effectively as possible to build, maintain and operate a world class transportation system. We must continually look for new ways to reduce our operating and overhead costs.

ITD provides extraordinary customer service.

You have probably seen the credit card commercial where the answer is always “NO.” We cannot be that “no” organization. We should always try to get to “yes” when it is in the best interests of the public and department. In the end, the final answer may be “no.” That’s okay, as long as we are seen as trying to get to a resolution rather than acting as a bureaucratic roadblock. We must always be asking ourselves, “How can we help the customer?”

ITD uses partnerships effectively.

Partnerships are about working together. My definition of partnerships is when all parties come together to achieve a common goal, where all parties have a vested interest in the outcome, bring resources to the table, and have input into the direction and decision making. A few examples of partners include the Governor, Legislature, state and local elected officials, the Federal Highway Administration, the business community, industry groups, and other agencies.

ITD values teamwork and uses it as a tool to improve.

You and I must be on the same page and headed in the same direction. Every one of us has weaknesses, but each of us also has strengths. We must recognize our weaknesses and draw on the strengths of others to fill those voids. That is what teamwork is all about. Collaboration among headquarters, divisions and the districts is essential for the department to do its best work.

ITD places a high value on its employees and their development.

You are our greatest asset. While this may sound like a cliché, in our budget, our greatest operating costs are for wages and benefits. We must invest in your well being and ensure the public is served by a well-trained, competent staff.

This vision serves to remind us what we are here for – to provide the best service possible to our customers and partners. Our department is headed in the right direction. By relating to and finding yourself in this vision, we will reach the goal of being the best!

Published 3-19-2010