1
24-056
Kickstarting Culture Change
Andrew McGrath
Rio Tinto, South Jordan, UT
Geraldine Lyons
Rio Tinto, South Jordan, UT
Sarah Barcelona
Rio Tinto, South Jordan, UT
ABSTRACT
In the dynamic and challenging modern industry landscape,
understanding and unleashing the true role and contribu-
tion of technical teams is crucial to business success. The
cyclical nature of industries has led to shifts in the technical
professional’s place within the organization and the techni-
cal skills that are desired most. This paper reframes the piv-
otal role that technical professionals play within complex
operating assets to maximize value and realize full poten-
tial. This investigation focuses on the Rio Tinto Kennecott
Technical group’s cultural journey, which is underpinned
by an investment in its people. The conflict between leg-
acy industry beliefs and the necessity for cultural change
emerges. This is illustrated by a deep dive into the evolv-
ing case study of Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Open Pit
Mine Technical team. Here, a multi-faceted approach to
cultural change is helping to unlock the team’s contribution
to the life extension of an aging asset. Guided by a vision
and strategic roadmap, this approach is part way through a
5-year implementation period and is yielding encouraging
business outcomes.
INTRODUCTION
In the struggle for top technical talent, the importance of
cultivating company culture cannot be overstated. This
foundational aspect is intrinsically linked to productivity
and innovation, which drive business performance. Like
the metaphorical wilting garden that struggles in changing
conditions, organizational culture can be transformed into
a landscaped paradise through a clear vision and a nurtur-
ing hand. Shaping growth mindsets and fostering effective
engagement become easier with a thriving organizational
culture. These benefits serve as the catalyst for improving
team efficiency and pioneering solutions to complex prob-
lems for maximized personal and business outcomes.
Becoming a great workplace with a thriving culture is a
transition that is neither quick nor simple. It takes sustained
effort and time to cultivate manicured lawns and vibrant
gardens. It requires building on the cumulative gains of
each year and taking small setbacks in stride. This paper
embarks on an insightful exploration of the transformative
journey of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Technical group as a
common and relatable case study. The seeds are sown for
articulating a vision and landscape design for cultural trans-
formation to maturity. A specific case study for the Open
Pit Mine Technical team within the Kennecott Technical
group demonstrates the systematic yet iterative process of
culture change for sustained organizational success.
24-056
Kickstarting Culture Change
Andrew McGrath
Rio Tinto, South Jordan, UT
Geraldine Lyons
Rio Tinto, South Jordan, UT
Sarah Barcelona
Rio Tinto, South Jordan, UT
ABSTRACT
In the dynamic and challenging modern industry landscape,
understanding and unleashing the true role and contribu-
tion of technical teams is crucial to business success. The
cyclical nature of industries has led to shifts in the technical
professional’s place within the organization and the techni-
cal skills that are desired most. This paper reframes the piv-
otal role that technical professionals play within complex
operating assets to maximize value and realize full poten-
tial. This investigation focuses on the Rio Tinto Kennecott
Technical group’s cultural journey, which is underpinned
by an investment in its people. The conflict between leg-
acy industry beliefs and the necessity for cultural change
emerges. This is illustrated by a deep dive into the evolv-
ing case study of Kennecott’s Bingham Canyon Open Pit
Mine Technical team. Here, a multi-faceted approach to
cultural change is helping to unlock the team’s contribution
to the life extension of an aging asset. Guided by a vision
and strategic roadmap, this approach is part way through a
5-year implementation period and is yielding encouraging
business outcomes.
INTRODUCTION
In the struggle for top technical talent, the importance of
cultivating company culture cannot be overstated. This
foundational aspect is intrinsically linked to productivity
and innovation, which drive business performance. Like
the metaphorical wilting garden that struggles in changing
conditions, organizational culture can be transformed into
a landscaped paradise through a clear vision and a nurtur-
ing hand. Shaping growth mindsets and fostering effective
engagement become easier with a thriving organizational
culture. These benefits serve as the catalyst for improving
team efficiency and pioneering solutions to complex prob-
lems for maximized personal and business outcomes.
Becoming a great workplace with a thriving culture is a
transition that is neither quick nor simple. It takes sustained
effort and time to cultivate manicured lawns and vibrant
gardens. It requires building on the cumulative gains of
each year and taking small setbacks in stride. This paper
embarks on an insightful exploration of the transformative
journey of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Technical group as a
common and relatable case study. The seeds are sown for
articulating a vision and landscape design for cultural trans-
formation to maturity. A specific case study for the Open
Pit Mine Technical team within the Kennecott Technical
group demonstrates the systematic yet iterative process of
culture change for sustained organizational success.