In the early 1990's, the VP of TRW's System's Division was strongly encouraging the use of continuous improvement processes (CIP) to improve the way employees performed their work. The goal was to increase customer satisfaction and thus increase the probability of continued business and growth. I was one of the division's process improvement agents at the time. If memory serves me, I was asked to write up a summary of the work my improvement team was doing so that others would be motivated to do the same. Below is what I wrote. I share this with you in fun so please have fun reading it.
Once there was a manager named Mark
who figured out what to do.
He wanted to improve the communication process
so he said "Cindy, it is up to you."
It was to be a weekly meeting to do many things
such as list, improve, and communicate.
It was affectionately named the VI Meeting,
a place the group sometimes ate.
At first it seemed like a burden
I think most the group would agree.
It was just another way of addressing
that dreaded CIP.
But the group persevered
and swallowed their tongues.
They knew deep down inside
this was important and had to be done.
Before the group knew it,
and to a few it came as a surprise,
the establishment of the Pre-ICM meeting
had turned out to be quite a prize.
It increased the level of communication
with the SETA team,
and quickly became part
of the FAA and SETA TIM routine.
Only ten meetings have passed
and the group is getting strong.
They are more committed than ever
to right what has gone wrong.
The Pre-ICM meeting was just the start
for this energetic pack.
The ECP process and PMR briefing formats
were the next to be attacked.
There are thirteen or so members:
Carol, Mary Ann, Gene, and Perley to name a few.
Who would like to encourage you
to try these things they do.
Steve, Hugh, Ed, and Peter
would also like to say;
The customer's satisfaction is important
so please don't delay.
Order yours now.