The business of doing business
Sometimes, the business of doing business is just a little too serious. We acknowledge that we certainly have responsibilities while doing business.
Our customers expect their composite parts to be correct and to specification.
They want them to be on time and at the agreed upon price.
They want us to be there for them when they have technology, pricing or delivery needs arise that complicate their lives.
We have a responsibility to provide a company environment where our people can meet their needs, grow as individuals if they choose.
We have a responsibility to the community around us that provides the infrastructure, atmosphere and services that help us complete our mission.
We also acknowledge that sometimes timelines can get stressed.
After confirming all those “demands” on our performance as a company, it is still possible to do all those things with a degree of civility, an air of levity, and a desire to have a positive work environment.
When I was just a few years out of college, I worked at a small, high technology, manufacturing company where anyone could pick up a house phone and make an announcement throughout the company. Many used it as a way of finding individuals, asking them to call a certain number. One individual, a production planner responsible for meeting the production and shipping schedule, would often bark or shout into the phone to call him, using a very stern voice. One day I was in a meeting that included the CEO of our small tech company, and this individual came over the PA system demanding a certain person call him immediately. The CEO looked around the table and asked, “who is that guy, and why is he always so pissed off?” We all looked at each other , knowing exactly who the individual was, and finally the Director of Materials Management spoke up, “I’ll take care of it.”
Needless to say, use of the paging system dropped off dramatically after that.
Also worthy of note, that happened during the last time inflation was rampant, costs had been escalating and labor was in turmoil (except unemployed rather than tight).* *
So, while the tone being used was a result of those mounting business difficulties, it still was not an excuse for using it.
Change is constant, change is inevitable. It is those that manage change and keep their heads about them that you want to have around you. (And the suppliers you want to be using). Thank you, Rudyard Kipling (‘Brother Square-Toes’—Rewards and Fairies)