General Services Department: “Managing State Resources & Supporting
the Needs and Achievement of State Government”

General Services Department — Strategic Plan FY 2011

Message From The Cabinet Secretary
September 1, 2009

With the impact of budget reductions resting squarely on the shoulders of our staff, I asked them last year to set higher goals and expectations for themselves. Not one of them looked at me with surprise or frustration. Each staff member at GSD understands they are the cornerstone of this department. Whether we are building facilities, resolving disputed medical claims, defending lawsuits, conducting procurement classes, flying doctors to underserved areas of the state or carrying out any one of a hundred other responsibilities, we exist so that 170 other state agencies, institutions and local public bodies can effectively carryout their own missions. If any one of us fails, the foundations of the department are diminished.

Our customer's expectations are exceptionally high. They should be. We serve essential functions and there is little tolerance when we fail to meet expectations. We must continually earn the trust and confidence of our customers because one poor outcome often brands the entire department. Working in this environment can be stressful and demoralizing. Yet, at GSD, it is not. The reason is the "Cornerstones Project," a central part of our internal staff training curriculum. It teaches two corresponding skill sets: (1) the art of goal setting, and (2) the science of managing change.

Convincing staff members to set higher goals and expectations is a function of releasing their untapped potential. If they believe they are stalled, or have reached their potential in the workplace, the program teaches them how to change that belief. Change your belief, release your potential!

What's New at GSD

Click for full size view

CAPITOL PARKING STRUCTURE NOW OPEN

Just in time for 2009 Special Session of the New Mexico Legislature, the General Services Department and the Legislative Council Service opened the Capitol Parking Structure to legislators, state employees and the public in October. The Territorial Style structure at Don Gaspar and Manhattan boasts three levels (one underground) and parking for 594 vehicles. There is designated parking for hybrid vehicles and motorcycles as well. The building also features radiant heating on the top level and in the north sidewalk to aid in snow and ice melt and enhance safety during winter weather. Closed circuit security cameras are located throughout the structure. Energy efficient external fixtures also designed to reduce light pollution. And there's a rainwater collection system with a cistern for landscape irrigation.

The Council Service will offer free parking through the end of the year. The garage is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

---

---

STATE PURCHASING DIVISION PROCUREMENT OFFICE MANAGER ELECTED PRESIDENT OF NMPPA

Congratulations are in order for the State Purchasing Division's Executive Procurement Office Manager Kathy Sanchez. She was elected President of the New Mexico Public Procurement Association at its Fall Conference in Las Cruces recently. GSD Cabinet Secretary Arturo L. Jaramillo sent his best wishes to Kathy at the outset of her year-long tenure, adding, "We're very proud of you and we know you will represent our Department with strong leadership and competency." State Purchasing Agent Michael Vinyard is also beaming with pride. "Kathy has been a tremendous asset to the State Purchasing Division for many years," adding, "Her election as President of the organization is a natural and goes hand-in-hand with the passion she has for her chosen profession."

The Cornerstones Project explains how higher goals and expectations stimulate the inherent-in-humans ability to search for, find and adopt new approaches, opportunities, collaborations and the motivation necessary to power each of us to new goals. A person's belief in his or her personal efficacy triggers a direct link to motivation, emotional well-being and achievement. At a time when increasing work loads and reduced budgets has stressed the limitations of our resources, the new "potential" we have realized through this project has increased confidence, creativity, productivity and collegiality in our workplace.

Higher goals and expectations are sometimes not enough. Our staff members must also be effective in managing their responsibilities and interactions in challenging and changing environments. The Cornerstones Project emphasizes self awareness, social awareness, achievement drive and adherence to core values as essential competencies at GSD. Understanding how we project ourselves to those with whom we interact, and the ability to accurately read their responses and emotional cues are critical communication skills we expect of every staff member. Having the achievement drive to be consistently committed to our work and the core values to exercise sound judgment are likewise expected.

Together these skills empower our staff to manage change effectively in emotionally intelligent ways. In difficult times like these, the true measure of any agency is its commitment and quality of performance. At GSD, those ultimate goals are driven by the Cornerstones Project. We look forward this year and next to continuing the highest level of service possible for our customers and colleagues.