Back in June, this list discussed this subject. I took the view that it
was both moral and fair to pay people for what they do. We should measure
their performance and pay them in proportion to their performance. In
that discussion, while many voiced strong disagreement, one kind soul, for
whom I have no recolegition as to their name, referred me to Alfie Kohn,
*Punished by Rewards*.
Allow me two points. First, my thanks to this individual for the
referral. Second, my acknowledgement that those in disagreement with me
were right. I have been converted.
I studied Kohn, reviewed and reviewed Demings Deadly disease #3 and his
point #12. I decided to implement this, creating one salary for everyone
in a particular class, whose workload and experience are roughly similiar.
I asked of them a rather large committment to an experiment. Wham, like a
brick upside the head!
Following years of constant strain, conflict, frustration, and poor
performance, I know enjoy working with a highly motivated group of people.
They are like butterflies coming out of cocoons. It is amazing. I
converted. We have begun implementation of Demings program. Three of my
staff want to know more and went back to school to UCSD to learn TQM so
they can help.
My thanks. I've learned a valuable lesson in pragmatics. I am also
humbled.
-- Tom Burke Poway, California toburke@cts.com