RE: Quality in Piecework Pay?

[Aaron Jones <aaronj@stylecraft.com>]

>>From Harry Nimon:

>>Your post neglects to state in what area your "project
management" position is.  Are you involved in or responsible for anything to
do with improving overall corporate quality philosophy or policy?  If not,
tread lightly, at least at first, and let time establish your resume within
the firm...

In reference to my position, I was asked by management to come in and take 6
months to learn the system, look for problems, determine better processes,
and simply listen to the employees.  I am involved, but not responsible for
overall quality philosophy.  I'd be much more comfortable if I were
"responsible" for that, as my suggestions for improvements would carry more
meaning.

>>Listen a lot more than you talk.  Find small areas where
you can help them to gain their trust and a measure of influence over them.
Find out who the informal leaders are and what their 'agendas' are.  


I know many of the employees here and haven't met one who said they enjoyed
working here, but it is good money.  The piecework system allows some (with
little education) to make $15 or $16 per hour (not bad for rural Iowa).  You
can see that if a change in pay structure were implemented, management as of
now would be very reluctant to pay those types of hourly wages or salaries.

I was listening to an older employee after work the other day and he was
complaining, complaining, and complaining; and I was very happy he was doing
so.  He told me what he hated, didn't like, and so on.  Never once did he
mention a good or positive view about StyleCraft.  He asked me if I knew
they had gotten a raise and I said "no, I don't have anything to do with
giving raises."  "Well", he said, "Good then.  It was a whopping 15 cents.
I, along with everybody else would rather be slapped in the face."  Needless
to say, he isn't the only disgruntled one.  There's about 600 more just like
him.  

Always looking for advice,
Aaron Jones

Moderator's "advice" -- as soon as it is available - get Alfie Kohn's 
audio from this year's OQPF conference (I will let the DEN know).  Second:
get Alfie's books.
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