Savings Initiative - II

So as mentioned in a previous posting, it’s that time of year again for a Savings Initiative. This time, the goal is to improve on schedule, and it's not the result of us going over schedule. In fact, most teams are doing pretty good on schedule, as evidenced by the fact that they got rid of mandatory overtime. So why the Savings Initiative?

Because we can always do better. That and the fact that a top Flunktional Manager needs something to do. And so he pulled out of his ass a goal to reduce schedule by 10%. Next, he assembled a team of individuals to identify problem areas and come up with solutions. Sounds reasonable so far, right?

As usual, the problem is in the execution. The Flunktional Manager handpicked the same group of introverted, submissive lackeys that he always picks for such assignments, then made himself head of the team. The team is comprised of the same old bunch of ‘yes men’ that failed to offer new perspectives the last time this exercise was attempted. But why would they have any new perspectives? Not only does the flunktional manager encourage new ideas by personally shitting on every single one that he doesn't like, but these engineers have no knowledge of subjects like Operations Management or Organizational Behavior (neither does the functional manager for that matter). They’re engineers, and non-creative ones at that. These dolts who couldn’t brainstorm a daydream in a field of dandelions. So what did the workout team come up with? Here are the problem areas they identified along with their suggested solutions:

Problem: Insufficient definition when creating schedule
Solution: Follow program guidance per document AP-492.

Problem: Insufficient training for making assignments
Solution: Look for opportunities to train where possible

Problem: Insufficient schedule coordination
Solution: Coordinate better with everyone

Problem: Insufficient communication on the teams
Solution: Encourage your team to have more discussions

They actually sent these results out to everyone on the program so that we may see the fruit of their efforts. While poor communication has been plaguing big corporations for decades, while researchers have written extensive papers on the subject, this team managed to figure out how to solve it in just one breakout session: encourage your team to communicate. Of course! It's just that easy. Why didn’t I think of that?

Because the Shitshow can turn a noble exercise into a complete joke by using the wrong tools for the job, I throw rocks.