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Hanging Out the Target 27 Aug 2013 | 03:21 pm
“So, if morale suddenly improved as the speed of the line improved, what do you think changed? What changed inside their heads?” I asked. Emily and I were talking about her production line’s sudden im...
Wishing for More Productivity 23 Aug 2013 | 01:22 pm
“They just don’t get it,” protested Kyle. “Why are they so stupid?” “Why are they so stupid? Or why are you so stupid for expecting them to understand?” I asked. Kyle did not expect my response and ...
Can I Afford to Fill the Role? 22 Aug 2013 | 05:43 pm
From the Ask Tom mailbag: Question: Let’s say I buy into Elliott Jaques model of Requisite Organization. But I have a small company. As you describe the layers in the organization, it is clear that ...
How to Miss Something Important in a Candidate Interview 16 Aug 2013 | 03:54 pm
Kirklin was shaking his head. ”I don’t know how we missed it,” he muttered. “Missed what?” I asked. “We hired this guy about a month ago, to be a supervisor in one of our technical areas. Six guys...
How to Anticipate the Unpredictable 14 Aug 2013 | 01:46 pm
Brent wasn’t sure he heard me right. I know he was expecting some sympathy for all of his long hours. “Your long hours are not because you are working hard,” I said. “Your long hours are because you ...
The Just Reward for Hard Work 13 Aug 2013 | 01:21 pm
I had a hot tip to stop by and visit with Brent. As I entered his office, I noticed his eyes were sunk in. It was Friday, but he didn’t look like he was ready for the weekend. “You look like crap,” I...
How Not to Appear as a Control Freak 8 Aug 2013 | 04:50 pm
“I am taking over a new department,” explained Ellen. “It’s not a promotion, just a new department. I heard through the grapevine that some people are off-balance wondering what life is going to be li...
How to Smile and Train Slow 7 Aug 2013 | 01:10 pm
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” said Charlie. “You are going to lose eight hours of production today.” My plan was to rotate eight operators off-line for one hour each. In that one hour, Charlie...
Why Train When There is No Time 6 Aug 2013 | 01:03 pm
“Look, we have a certain amount of work that has to be done around here and I can’t just sit by and watch these guys go so slow. They just don’t get it. I have been working with them for eight months....
The Meaning of Micro-Management 5 Aug 2013 | 03:02 pm
“Move over, let me take the console. Why don’t you just watch me?” Charlie insisted. This was the ultimate in micro-managing. Charlie, the supervisor, observing a mistake, simply took the project ba...
