Re: Hillside Yellers?

[macrossen@adelphia.net]

>From Mike Crossen (macrossen@adelphia.net)

Jack makes some good points.  I can only mention what I perceive to be a few barriers.
1- They don't know what they don't know.  Most people in this country are brought up through an education system that thrives on rewards, gold starts, blame and best efforts.  Business schools drill in tales of numerical quotas, bottom line figures, short-term profits, more rewards and incentives to get people to do what they are supposed to do.   This is what people believe.  When you try to describe the knowledge and wisdom that says otherwise (Deming's, Kohn's, Ackoff's etc.) what reaction do you get?  Like you are from another planet?
2- Best efforts are born and bred into our culture.  I've worked with machine operators, packers, nurses, buyers, process engineers, physicians and folks from many backgrounds.  I just have not seen where people accept the idea that the system is where improvement focus should be.  Everyone one should be accountable for their own actions is the cry over and over.  "Why spend time fixing a process?  Why don't these people pay attention?  Three strikes your out!  They just don't try hard enough?  Maybe we need to provide more incentive for them to work harder!  Let's rate and rank them!  Let's put up some banners to motivate them, they are not trying hard enough."  

I know that the two barriers I have listed overlap some. I've listed the two that I have personally seen over the past 15-20 years.  I don't see the culture changing much.  So why do I keep yelling from the hillside?  I can't help it.  Maybe because I know.

Mike Crossen
macrossen@adelphia.net