The Rapid Response Institute

Category: Key Performance Indicators

  • 2020 Vision: Are Your Stars Aligned This Year?

    2020 Vision: Are Your Stars Aligned This Year?

    Depending on one’s perspective, 2020 is either the end of the last decade or the beginning of this one.  One can argue that our actual birthday is the day we were born and 12 months later we are one year old.  This suggests that on our tenth birthday we have lived a decade and a new one begins.  Probably this conundrum will still be a subject of discussion in 3020.

    Going to our favorite breakfast cafe the Sunday after New Year’s Day, the parking lot was overflowing from patrons of the local gym in the strip center.  New Year’s resolutions in full force.  History suggests we will not have a parking problem by sometime in February.

    Another Failure of Change Management?

    Perhaps, but good intentions without an execution plan and realistic metrics play a role too.  Clarity of vision is important during times of transformation.

    Organizational lucidity is also important.  The annual Letter from the Chairman of every US public company will extol virtues for their coming fiscal year.  Note to those in sales—this is what is important to management, i.e., the organization’s value proposition so read it and act accordingly.

    Vision Duality

    We all have a vision about the future of our career.  However, another vision is emerging—machines.  One topical subject is the so-called Digital Twin or a representation of reality as a 3D graphic.

    This pundit and others have espoused this tool in support of Operational Excellence initiatives.  This extends human vision in ways that were not available in the past.

    One can surmise as this year progresses, clarity in operations may get much better.  It follows that those willing to take advantage and ‘change’ how they see the world will progress faster and farther than those who choose not to.

    Is the Future in the Stars?

    Probably, but not as many astrologers would have us believe.

    Stars will align this year for each individual who takes the initiative to make that happen.  Not astrological destiny, but proactive leadership with new ‘star’ management systems.

    The Year is Almost Three Percent Old, What Have You Done So Far?

    For More Information

    Please note, RRI does not endorse or advocate the links to other third-party materials.  They are provided for education and entertainment only.

    For more information on Cross Cultural Engagement, check out our Cross Cultural Serious Game

    You can contact the author as well.

    End Notes

      https://www.farmersalmanac.com/new-decade-2020-or-2021-100900

  • Safety Santa: Another Case of Operational Excellence Success

    Safety Santa: Another Case of Operational Excellence Success

    A year ago, it was the pleasure of this blogger to report that Santa Clause completed yet another successful global fulfillment process AND importantly, the process was in compliance with the US Federal Aviation Authority’s (FAA) regulations.  A great deal of progress since the advent of one red light on the nose of the lead reindeer!

    This year we are once again pleased to report that not only have the flying sled and its power plants remained in compliance with the FAA but has now taken additional steps forward.  Incorporating new technologies and processes, safety has been enhanced in the following manner:

    • Addressing Slips, Trips and Fails with new safety/skip proof landing gear
    • A new Confined Space program along with appropriate personal safety gear
    • An alarm Klaxon and Better Lighting
    • Enhance Safety Restraints such as airbags and an overhead guard
    • Extensive Head, Vision, and Hearing Protection systems
    • Better Work Place Violence technology enabled processes
    • A new Cargo Restraint system

    It looks like the arctic region of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outreach program is having great success.  Interested readers are invited to review the above safety Infographic for further details and perhaps new insights.

    Simplified Business Model

    There are a lot of lessons herein for those who don’t live at a mythical north pole.  First, it seems that much if not all the safety improvements made are inexpensive and easily implemented.

    Next, change management and new policies appear to be welcomed by those affected.  Answering the, “What’s In It For Me” question when adopting new technologies.

    Management is also ‘walking the walk’ with employees by driving the sled and taking the same risks as the rest of the team fulfilling customer requirements, i.e., snow covered rooftops and chimneys.  One can argue that this entire team is the Customer Facing part of the system.  Finally, customers have high expectations that must be met, and late delivery is not an option—this project has a fixed deadline!

    Stakeholder Value

    With billions of children waiting and using a complex and global logistics system, this team does not disappoint.  Earlier competitors have long dropped off the map.

    So why with a clear monopoly does this organization still seek greater Operational Excellence with its transformational Safety Culture?

    Simple—safe and excellent operational performance is good business!  Less unplanned downtime increases the bottom line.  Few incidents increase morale and the bottom line.

    Fewer legal issues, regulatory matters, and so forth and so on positively impact the bottom line.  With such significant ROI, what’s a stakeholder not to like?

    Is Your Operational Safety on Par with Ole Saint Nick?

    For More Information

    Please note, RRI does not endorse or advocate the links to other third-party materials.  They are provided for education and entertainment only.

    For more information on Cross Cultural Engagement, check out our Cross Cultural Serious Game

    You can contact the author as well.