Scanlon September 2006 E-zine

Greetings!

In this E-Zine we introduce a world-class tool to help your organization achieve critcal alignment (Hoshin Quick Start version3). This version includes the latest information on Hoshin from our study of Hoshin systems. We report on our study tour of Southwest Airlines where "serving others, the warrior spirit, and having fun" provide competive advantage. E-Zines readers may download a white paper on what we learned from this excellent corporation. We end with a report on a major donation to the Scanlon Foundation of Scanlon Plans and training materials from retired Scanlon Consultant, Linda Washburn.


Scanlon Studies Servant Leadership With Southwest
“I hope we will be able to share our experience in our own companies as well as with the Network,” said Becky Fulgoni, VP for People, Landscape Forms.

Fulgoni along with Paul Davis, President, Scanlon Leadership Network, Chuck Cockburn, CEO, Watermark Credit Union and Myron Marsh, CEO, Thomson-Shore recently studied Servant Leadership in Dallas, TX with Southwest Airlines and TDIndustries.

Southwest prides themselves in having a commitment to employees. They strive to provide a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Employees are also treated with concern, respect and a caring attitude within the organization and are expected to in return share that externally with their customers. This mission has contributed to Southwest’s success.

“I saw living examples of Servant-Leadership at Southwest Airlines. I was interested in their Culture Committee. Its mission is to help create the Southwest spirit and culture and to enrich what already exists,” said Marsh.

The Scanlon attendees participated in a behind the scenes tour of Southwest airlines and attended meetings with the Servant-Leadership Learning Community.

Myron Marsh said he left Southwest with the knowledge that there is a strong connection between a person’s physical wellness and a work environment that has relationships of team commitment and trust. Also that organizations are organic and if approached mechanically, more emphasis will get placed on mechanics instead of values.

“The people we met in Dallas are applying Servant Leadership for the same purpose we apply Scanlon Principles. We can learn from each other’s success and the Scanlon Network can help to facilitate the exchange of ideas,” said Marsh.

“It is valuable that we visited Southwest because they are developing leadership in a learning environment that fits with the Scanlon Principles. We now can come home and implement what we have learned to our fellow Scanlon members,” said Cockburn.

The Network thanks Ann McGee-Cooper, the Dallas Servant Leadership Study Group, and Southwest Airlines for giving us this opportunity to network and learn. In order to bring back our learnings from the tour the Scanlon Study Group members took notes and pictures. They have been put together in a white paper.

To download the whitepaper of the study tour....



Hoshin Quick Start version 3 introduced at SGS Lean Tour
The second Lean Tour was hosted by SGS Tool Company on Hoshin (Policy Deployment). Participants learned how SGS uses their Hoshin Process called AIM or associate integrated management to align their organization. Dr. Mike Moore and Dr. Bill Mothersell shared their research on the five alignments of Hoshin. Toyota uses Hoshin to align strategically, vertically, and horizontally. They also use it to create process alignment and to develop subordinates. The Network's award winning Hoshin Quick Start tool has been updated to include this latest research.

Hoshin Quick Start is a customizable computer template and training system that makes Hoshin Planning quick and simple. The proven effective system helps organizations set goals and objectives, link objectives between various levels, departments and functions, track performance against goals, and analyze problems that hinder performance.

Hoshin is a practice that can get everyone in an organization pointed in the same direction. Starting at the top with strategic planning and working through the entire organization it enables everyone to know their role in achieving the organization’s goals.

There are three parts to the Hoshin Quick Start. A training course teaches front-line employees basic Hoshin concepts. This course includes a Leader’s guide with detailed instructions and overheads as well as a reproducible participant manual. An Excel worksheet visually tracks goals and automates much of the process. It also produces Pareto and radar charts. The third component to the tool is the comprehensive Coordinator’s guide that explains how to develop and customize worksheets.

According to researchers, organizations that use Hoshin have higher return on assets, and higher return on Equity. It is also the lean tool most often missed by organizations trying to implement "lean" concepts.

Tammy Adkins of Spring Engineering is almost done developing an Internet version of Hoshin Quick Start. The Internet system will make it even easier to maintain a comprehensive Hoshin system. We will update E-Zine readers when the system is final.

Scanlon Leadership Network Members can log on and download Hoshin Quick Start at no cost from the member only area of www.scanlonleader.org. Nonmembers may purchase the system for $1500 Scanlon Leadership Network Consultants and trainers are available to help your organization install the Hoshin process. Contact the Network office at 517-332-8927 for more information on Hoshin Quick Start.

To download the Hoshin Quick Start Brochure.....


Fountation Helps Scanlon Ideas Live On
“Scanlon has stood the test of time. Many different individuals have contributed to the ideas we call Scanlon. It is very important that we save their work for the future," said Paul Davis, President, Scanlon Leadership Network. The Scanlon Foundation provides ways for these Scanlon ideas to live on.

Retired Consultant, Linda Washburn, recently made a large donation of resource materials to the Foundation. Her donation consisted of all of the Scanlon Plans she implemented since 1973 including all training materials, videos and overheads.

“I feel like I sent my whole life to the Scanlon Network,” joked Washburn. “ I hope that these materials will help people develop better Scanlon plans or create new ideas from the old.”

Washburn donated to the Network in hopes of continuing to watch its growth. She encourages more organizations to adopt Scanlon Plans because industries are changing with less focus on employees and customers.

“Interested organizations should not hesitate to join the Scanlon Network and take advantage of the opportunity, networking and ideas it presents,” said Washburn. “The sooner you get involved the sooner you can enjoy the benefits.”

Washburn began consulting in 1973 with Magna- Donnelly. One year later she began a consulting firm called Arthur Associates Inc. in Holland, Michigan where she served as President. Arthur Associates afforded her the opportunity to work with companies such as Xerox, ITT Corporation, IC industries, Ford Motor Company, Briggs & Stratton Corporation and many others.

“While a consultant for The Scanlon Leadership Network I saw remarkable changes in organizations. People worked together, not against each other. I met wonderful people and even though I am retired I still stay in contact with them,” said Washburn.

Since her retirement Washburn built a home and moved to Sarasota, FL. She has been enjoying Florida and its tourist attractions. She said the weather and atmosphere make everyday a vacation in Florida. In addition to visiting Michigan she has also spent time traveling to places like Slovakia and Budapest.

The Scanlon Foundation and the Scanlon Leadership Network wish to thank Linda for donating her work. It will help future Scanlon leaders "stand on the shoulders of a giant."

To download a brochure of the Scanlon Foundation....