Depending on You
December 8, 2008
“Changes?” “Yes, changes,” I replied. “Have a meeting and simply ask, what has changed?” Roselle started to speak, then stopped. “Why is it important to talk about Change?” I asked. Roselle laughed. “Because... Read more...
Time Span Appropriate
December 5, 2008
Ruben was stumped. “You are right. Just because we give Edmund a new title, doesn’t mean he is going to change his ways.” “Edmund will always be Edmund, and we have to redefine his role. It’s not a matter of giving him... Read more...
Just Because He Has a New Title?
December 4, 2008
“Our system creates predictability,” Ruben explained. “It creates predictability without stress. It allows us to do our maintenance at the best times, allows us to properly inspect our raw materials, test our setups accurately. Everything... Read more...
Not a Hero
December 3, 2008
“So, in your mind, Edmund is not a hero?” I prodded. Ruben shook his head. “No, and what’s maddening is that Edmund, as a supervisor, keeps describing his behavior as results oriented. It’s all about the results, he says.... Read more...
Proud of the Chaos
December 2, 2008
“How do you involve Edmund in the decision making about solving the problem?” I asked. “As soon as we have the project specs,” Ruben explained, “when we know the outputs and the deadlines, we call a meeting. Edmund is the... Read more...
Resistant
December 1, 2008
“He resists everything,” Ruben explained. “We cover the same solutions to the same problems. At the time, Edmund finally agrees, but I sense, he agrees only because he can’t argue the logic. He goes along with the solution,... Read more...
Give Thanks
November 26, 2008
“And what do you say, to those who remain?” “Be kind,” Lydia replied. “For those who remain, be kind. Be kind to those who have to leave. Be kind to those around you. “Be grateful,” she continued. “Give... Read more...
Respect
November 25, 2008
“It still feels bad,” Lydia explained. “We spent the past ten years building this team, and now, we have to take it apart. I feel bad when I have to tell people they have lost their jobs. I feel bad for the organization. All of our... Read more...
Never When You Need It
November 24, 2008
Lydia remembered a year ago. “We brought in our Balance Sheets,” she described. “I used to spend time poring over my Income Statement, so understanding the Balance Sheet, I mean, really paying attention to the Balance Sheet, was new... Read more...
Preparation is Over
November 21, 2008
“How will you decide?” I asked. “How will you select the person who has to go?” Lydia shook her head. “I need them all. I put a hiring freeze in January, and we’ve had some normal attrition. But at this point, if... Read more...
