Masonry Magazine February 1986 Page. 58
THE WORKLINE
by Fred Pryor
QUESTION: It seems that long-range plans have become outdated in our fast-moving high-tech, information age. What other tools can our company use for planning?
ANSWER: Long range planning is still essential. What managers are realizing is that they must have flexible plans so that their organizations can respond quickly to the rapidly changing marketplace. There are a variety of excellent tools for planning. The key thing to remember is that planning is a continual, constantly evolving process.
QUESTION: Our company offers bonuses to employees who develop ideas that save time or money. A few employees have taken advantage of the program, but I'd like advice on how to encourage more employees to be creative.
ANSWER: Be sure that you truly believe that each person has the potential to be creative. Your excitement will convince others that they have the ability and encourage them to be more creative. In addition, allocate time for employees to be innovative. 3M Company has built creativity into their corporate culture by allowing employees to spend ten percent of their time working on creative endeavors. Art Fry, who developed the "Post-it," is an example of a 3M employee encouraged to work on new ideas whose creativity paid off in huge dividends.
Let your employees know that creativity can come from any level. And when someone develops a new workable idea, make a big deal out of it. In addition to financial rewards, talk about innovative ideas at meetings and in personal discussions.
QUESTION: I just terminated a supervisor whom employees had been complaining about for nearly a year. Why did it take me so long to see that he was damaging our company?
ANSWER: As managers, we want our company to run smoothly so sometimes we ignore justified concerns and explain away evidence, much like a person who refuses to listen when told that a family member is an alcoholic.
Realize there can be times when you get so caught up in what you're doing that you won't see things as they are. Build a support system of people you can trust who will provide you with honest feedback. Nourish these relationships and set up times for regular feedback sessions. The combination of their various perspectives will help you gain the insight you need. If we set goals and measurable objectives with employees and keep a clear picture of how they are working to accomplish them, we will have a more realistic basis on which to evaluate their performances.
QUESTION: I'm so tired of hearing about how to please my employees through wellness programs, open commu-
Masonry & Concrete Consultants, Inc.
SERVICES-Analysis of Existing Problems
-Design Assistance and Testing
-Masonry Restoration
-Contract Claims-Expert Witness
-Experience Includes-Precast and Masonry Panels, Load Bearing Masonry,
Glass Block, Marble and Stone
Contact: TURNER SMITH/5211 Berry Creek/Houston, Texas 77017/(713) 944-1148
POSITION AVAILABLE
Manufacturer's Representative specializing in
masonry and plastering products wanted to call on
hard goods building material dealers. Good commission. Send resume with list of products represented to:
Nationwide Confidential Reply Service, Dept. 3ch3, 35
E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601.
Equal Opportunity Employer
PLANKSAVER
LUMBER COMPANY, INC.
180.A. Select Structural Spruce Scaffold Planks.
End Banded, Name Branded. Meet OSHA Requirements. Any Quantity Anywhere! Call Our New
Direct Toll-Free Number For a Quote:
1-800-641-1515