Out of the Crisis.Org

[MattFMN]

Hello all. I was lucky enough to go to my Dad's retirement party a few years ago where he finally decided to take-it-easy from the Postal Service. It was neat, all those co-workers there "roasting" him and showing their appreciation and respect for all he had done. Namely, setting an example for all to admire and also helping out the "rookies". But, I learned something afterwards. My Dad wasn't so pleased with the party. See, while he really, really was humbled by all he fellow co-workers showing up and saying nice things and sending him off with a bang; there wasn't ONE manager or position of "authority" there. Authority may be a poor choice of words, but I think you get where I'm going.

When I inquired about his displeasure, he told me about "the old ways". When he got into the Postal Service, there were the veterans. They were who you looked up to. Then knew all the procedures and all the tricks of the trade. An example would be sorting mail. This was a tedious task done every morning by every mail carrier. There was a right way to do it, and a wrong way. The wrong way would get you shoulder and back pain, the right way would allow you many years of service. The veterans were also the ones with the nice houses, the new cars, the fancy vacation stories. Even though the "rookies" knew they could perform certain tasks faster than their veteran counterparts, they knew they didn't have the knowledge and experience those veterans had. In other-words, the rookies had something to strive for. They wanted to get to that level.

The retirement party of years ago, also re-enforced that. Years ago, when a veteran retired, there was a huge party put on by the Post Office and everyone showed up. The Postmaster, all the managers, and all the co-workers. The managers and the Postmasters would get up and say great things about the retiree. How he/she was a great worker, and really made the old saying: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds", a reality. Also, in reality, this slogan was never the official slogan of the USPS. It was a big bash, the retiree was lavished with compliments, thank yous, gifts, and food. People looked forward to them.

Then, these workers would run into their former co-workers at a coffee shop or restaurant and ask how things are going, how's retirement?. The answer would be how great it is, how they can kick back and enjoy the twilight of their lives. How the USPS took care of them. Money wasn't an issue, insurance...stuff like that.

What effect do you think this had on those coming up through the ranks?
Would/could something similar to this be used in a repair shop? Or any business for that matter?
(I know, I know...this may be difficult to pull off in a smaller shop.)

Thanks! Later, Matt.

_________________
Matt Fanslow
ASE CMAT/L1
Crag-Technologies, Inc
www.wavehook.com

[Bud]

Hello Matt,

What effect do you think this had on those coming up through the ranks?
Would/could something similar to this be used in a repair shop? Or any business for that matter?

I'll start the conversation. Many repair shops treat employees like they are expendable and easily replaceable. Of course that seals the door on any real growth and profits for the business in the long run.

[MattFMN]

I feel it is of great, great importance for rookies, greenhorns, newbies, and even those that have been there awhile; to have the ability to look over to a veteran co-worker that has "paid his/her dues" and shown the desired dedication to the company and see how that person is rewarded. To be able to see how over time, they have been rewarded and that by sticking to it, their employer will reward them for rewarding them with dedicated service.

I feel it also communicates to employees, and even employees from other businesses, that the business sees its associates as investments as well as major contributors to its success. That in exchange for taking care of them (the business), the business makes sure to take care of its employees.

I don't know if it is a philosophy shift, I don't know if it is a consequence of having so many warm bodies to choose from, that it seems American businesses have gotten away from this. Later, Matt.

_________________
Matt Fanslow
ASE CMAT/L1
Crag-Technologies, Inc
www.wavehook.com

[Louis Altazan]

Hi Matt,

I think you are definitely on to something with this Matt. I believe people like to feel a part of things and there should be reward associated with loyalty.

This can be subtle, but profound. For instance, when paying our staff they always receive their checks in the order of seniority. The most senior employee gets their check first, followed by the next and so on. Soon this is acknowledged and is part of everything we do.

Acknowledging anniversary of service dates is also well received. It may be a cake, perhaps just a thanks for being here, but always acknowledged. Little things often mean a lot.

_________________
Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA

[MattFMN]

A heart-felt thank you, pat on the back, or thoughtful gesture should never ever be overlooked, nor forgotten.

Thanks Louis and Bud, I appreciate the responses.

_________________
Matt Fanslow
ASE CMAT/L1
Crag-Technologies, Inc
www.wavehook.com