Scanlon January 2006 E-zine

Greetings!

It is 2006 and the Scanlon Leadership Network and Scanlon Foundation are in high gear. In this E-Zine learn about our new Scanlon On-Line University, our new Scanlon book in development, the 2006 Coordinator's Conference and our Servant Leadership study group. We have just received word that the Timberroots Wadena Truss Plant's "COOL Plan" is has been approved by an over 90% vote. They are the first in their industry to develop a Scanlon Plan.


Scanlon Network Offers On-line University
The Scanlon On-line University is a new service that provides low cost on-line computer aided instruction. The University specializes on courses in "lean" (both manufacturing and office). However courses in how to use Microsoft products, and how to evalutate outsourcing decisions are also available. In the next week Managing Information Overload and Time Management will be added with courses in Leadership, HR, Marketing etc. now being developed.

"The University provides the most extensive range of Lean courses available anywhere," said Brian Furlong, Executive Vice President Lean Enterprise Inc. and the creator of most of the course content.

The University is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing employees to participate at their own pace and according to their own schedule. Courses involve the student through exercises, progress quizzes, interactive forms and more.

"Organizations will also appreciate the flexibility that the Scanlon Online University offers", said Majel Maes, Director of Programming, for the Scanlon Network. "Now it is possible to offer instruction to one or a hundred employees, wherever they are located. Accountability is insured by testing that occurs with every course. While the Univeristy is being underwritten by the Scanlon Network, nonmembers are also welcomed to participate."

Lean University is a very cost-effective method for building competence. The Scanlon Online University is available to anyone with a connection to the internet. Course tuition is inexpensive, and there are no travel costs.

“Organizations, even those with multiple locations, have the ability to receive a consistent and sustained message when they use this facility,” explained Furlong. “All of the content is applicable to today’s leading edge business practices.”

The Scanlon University is a part of a trend in bringing low-cost high quality on-line training through the internet. Employees of companies such as Energizer, Parker Hannifin and Curtis Wright have utilized these courses that are offered through more than 250 universities in the United States.

"The Scanlon University complements the Network's other on-line 'Moodle' training site," said Maes. "The University offers courses that are computer-aided. There are no human instructors involved. The "Moodle" site offers computer aided courses where students and teachers use the computer and the internet to meet virtually."

For more information on Scanlon’s Lean University, contact the Scanlon Leadership Network office at 517-332-8927.
To learn more about Scanlon On-line University


Developing Success With Scanlon E.P.I.C. Leadership
To provide a roadmap for developing successful organizations, The Scanlon Foundation has a new project underway titled, E.P.I.C. Leadership: Where the best ideas Come Together. This book will include more than 60 years of accomplishments in organizational development the Scanlon way.

“This Foundation project will help bring things up-to- date, introducing a whole new generation to Scanlon,” stated Paul Davis, President, Scanlon Leadership Network. “A publication like this has not been in existence for a very long time. I am thrilled that the Foundation is in a position to develop this wonderful resource.”

Scanlon E.P.I.C Leadership will be the first anthology of Scanlon thought and practice since The Scanlon Plan: a frontier in labor-management cooperation was published by MIT Press in 1958.

The new book is designed to help business leaders find a better way to lead. It will combine articles on Scanlon theorists like Dr. Douglas McGregor as well as cutting-edge contributions from current theorists, practitioners and authors like Carl Frost,and Larry C. Spears. Network members will also be featured in the book through examples of Scanlon Plans or case studies.

The book will be divided into four parts, including chapters such as E.P.I.C. Principles, Open-book Management, Employee Involvement and A Tribute to Joe Scanlon.

Larry Spears, President & CEO of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, will serve with Paul Davis as co-editor of the book. Davis said, "We are very fortunate to have the talents of Larry Spears on this project. Spears’ past experience includes co-authoring nine books and writing two hundred articles on servant leadership."

Scanlon E.P.I.C. Leadership is expected to be completed by the end of 2006. Any questions about the book can be directed to Paul Davis and the Scanlon Foundation at 517-332-8927.


Coordinators To Attend Conference
Employees who serve as coordinator for their organization’s Scanlon Plan will attend the seventh annual Scanlon Leadership Network Coordinators Conference February 22-23, 2006, hosted by Thomson-Shore, Inc. in Dexter, MI.

Designated to oversee the implementation of the Scanlon process for their particular organization, coordinators will have an opportunity to meet and discuss successes, issues and ideas at the conference.

Majel Maes, Director of Programs and Administration, Scanlon Leadership Network, serves as the coordinator of this conference every year.

“Scanlon company coordinators face unique challenges,” explained Maes. “This event allows those who attend to obtain more information on ways the Network can help make their job easier.”

During the conference, the coordinators learn from and tour the host company but the majority of the time is set aside for brainstorming and sharing of ideas amongst the participants.

“We have a great support network throughout the Scanlon organization and this conference allows us to take advantage of that,” explained Tara Pipe, HEART Coordinator, Wescast Machining Wingham Ontario, Canada.

Having had such positve experiences at past conferences, long-standing and new Scanlon Plan Coordinators alike will attend this year’s event.

“My organization and I both benefit when I participate in the Scanlon Coordinator’s Conference,” explained Marge Holata, Director of Associate Involvement, SGS Tool Company and Coordinator of the TEAM Plan. “Since the conference is attended by all coordinators, everyone offers ideas and we all leave the conference with good solid information on how to improve our organization’s plan.”

The conference also allows the host company, Thomson-Shore, to showcase its Scanlon plan, sharing inside information on what it has done to improve it.Thomson-Shore is a book publishing company that has been a Scanlon Leadership Network member for a total of sixteen years. Over the past year, they have spent time renewing their Scanlon process. They have also developed and implemented several Best Practices and have recommitted fully to the Scanlon Principles.
To learn more about the Coordinator's Conference....


Servant Leadership Study Group Meets For The First Time
Becky Fulgoni, VP For People, and Mark Murry, Supply Chain Manager, Landscape Forms Inc., were inspired by the discussions about servant leadership that took place during the October 2005 Scanlon Leadership Retreat. Attempting to continue these discussions and help Scanlon organizations benefit through sharing information, they started the Servant Leadership Study Group.

Seven members of the Servant Leadership Study Group met for the first time on December 16, 2005. Those in attendance included Bill Main, President, Rick Utting, Product Engineering Manager, and Fulgoni from Landscape Forms, Lisa Kowalski, HR Manager, and Rick Meier, President, from Meier Tool, Paul Veryser, VP of Operations, Spring Engineering, and Paul Davis, President, Scanlon Leadership Network.

“This group consists of top leaders in tough businesses, most experiencing phenomenal change,” explained Fulgoni. “The meeting brought about good discussion and exchange of ideas. Everyone left with ideas on how to use servant leadership in order to keep their business strong.

“Discussions on Servant Leadership at these meetings will give us a vision of how to achieve the kind of leadership experience we need and want for our companies,” she continued. “As we learn more about these ideas and connect them with our Scanlon Principles, we will have a powerful set of guidelines to help us grow.”

Fulgoni made arrangements for the first meeting, proposed dates and provided the meeting room. She described the meeting as a small cozy group that enabled like-minded members to slow down for a minute and reflect on keeping the meaning in what it is that they do.

Future meetings are still in the planning stages but the group hopes to meet one more time before the spring conference and then again for a third time in connection with the conference.


As I See It
Tara Pipe is the HEART (Helping Everyone Achieve Rewards Together) Scanlon Plan Coordinator at Wescast Machining in Wingham, Ontario, Canada. She has been with the company for the last eight years. Wescast introduced their HEART Plan 17 years ago.

“Being the Plan Coordinator has helped me grow as a team member and taught me to appreciate the benefits of being involved with a participative company,” stated Tara.

“Our plan provides a balance to all three sides of the equity triangle, ensuring we will be in business for a long period of time,” explained Tara. “HEART allows everyone in the company the same opportunities to grow personally, professionally and organizationally.

“Participation is the most important aspect of our plan at Wescast. Joe Scanlon stressed that the average worker knows his or her job better than anyone else. By asking our employees for their input, we ensure that we are making the right decisions that will help eliminate waste and give us a competitive edge.”
To learn more about Wescast....


Sylvia Hurst has been employed by Smith Dairy in Orrville, OH for eight-and–a-half years serving as an A/R Associate and Scanlon QUEST (Quality Using Education, Suggestion and Teamwork) Plan Facilitator.

The business introduced QUEST in September 2001 and Sylvia immediately became involved with the plan.

“As a result of QUEST, I now see Smith Dairy in a whole new perspective,” explained Sylvia. “I have a better understanding of management’s decisions and am able to recognize critical issues.

“There has been an impact on teamwork and communication between associates since the implementation of QUEST,” Sylvia continued. “Associates of Smith Dairy have a voice in the company and are able to influence decision making in a positive way.

“Having a Scanlon Plan in place has offered an unlimited wealth of information to Smith Dairy. The company has the potential to be the best in the industry.”
To learn more about Smith Dairy....