John Warfield replied to Michael's LO2530 posting and mentions displays.
Milliken down south of the Mason-Dixon Line is an outstanding example of
wall coverage for communication of TQ activities and results.
I have visited Varion (Ion) in Glouchester, Mass., to see departments and
work cells promote understanding and communication of improvement
activities.
Bose in Massachusetts also has certain displays for internal and visitor
consumption.
At this time I am preparing to visit regional companies to learn how they
use "walls of fame" for specific TQ purposes. Now in Varion's case, I
witnessed the use of a dry erase board which was dynamic and local to a
department. Each morning stand-up meetings occur around this board to
discuss many content items: Corrective Action progress; production
control; news of iterative improvement.
I like that stuff. It's immediate, but reflects past action; it's now,
but points to a changeable future demand. Work flows are visible.
Quantities, rejects, authority and responsibility for special tasks, all
form into an invaluable kiosk of interactions. As some are wont to say,
the rubber meets the road. Boy, is it refreshing to come across wonderful
examples of applied communication. Dialog? Maybe during the stand-ups.
I was not present.
So as we at my company gear up to develop something homegrown and akin to
Varion's, something that will allow celebration of empowerment's results
among non-celebratory New Englanders, I continue on the Path. Arm in arm
with you all.
-- Best regards, Barry Mallis Total Quality Resource Manager MARKEM Corporation Keene, NH bmallis@markem.com