Culture Handbook: Space Systems Command at Space Force
How can personnel align with the culture of an organization if they don’t even know what it is? As part of our cultural improvement initiative, the Business Innovation team identified the need for a handbook that reviews the basics of Space Systems Command (SSC) and what it means to be a part of it. This handbook contains key information that will jumpstart cultural alignment in new hires and serve as a quick reference guide for existing personnel.
Contributors:
Research, development, editing, visual design: Taylor Stroud (Me!)
Copywriting: Brent Marcus, Lane Gilchrist, Taylor Stroud
Additional copy excerpts contributed from the SSC History Office/Heritage Center and the SSC Public Affairs office
First Steps
To create this handbook, I first started by interviewing both new and long-time employees of Space Systems Command. Working with these key stakeholders allowed me to identify exactly what this handbook needed to communicate. I investigated what newcomers wished they had known and what information they thought would improve the onboarding process. I also carefully reviewed how experienced SSC personnel introduced the organization to people, and I collected their various insights regarding onboarding and SSC heritage.
An eBook format was chosen due to the lower publishing and design costs. By completing this project with zero additional costs, I was able to develop it with far fewer approvals and get it into the hands of those who need it much more quickly.
A table of contents immediately orients the reader.
Introducing readers to the SSC mission and vision very early in the text was key.
Presenting the history section in a timeline format avoids text-heavy section while still allowing the reader to understand SSC’s story and achievements.
Key Content
Through researching this project, I identified that the most important pieces of information to include were SSC’s history and mission area. Reviewing SSC’s historical milestones and achievements in satellite and GPS technology helps personnel feel a sense of pride in what they are working towards. Explaining SSC’s mission area in plain, easy-to-understand language helps personnel to see the context of their work and quickly builds their knowledge of the complex organizational structure.
Secondary content, like the SSC acronym guide and rank equivalencies (not pictured), bridges a gap in understanding that often occurs for those new to the organization. Teams can be so reliant on speaking in acronyms that it’s impossible to understand discussions until you become familiar with the lingo. In addition, a stringent rank structure that demands specific and increasing levels of respect can easily confuse and hinder those who may not be familiar.
Final Thoughts
This handbook was my final project during my time at Space Systems Command, and I’m so glad I could leave behind something that can help people for years to come. Every detail was meticulously crafted to ensure the most positive experience possible for the end user. Each piece of information was thoughtfully debated to determine whether it was necessary, irrelevant, or somewhere in between.
If you have any questions or wish to view a full sample of the handbook, please reach out to me via the contact form here.
