BIG JOHN IN THE BRICK YARD

The following story is used to illustrate the difference between productivity and perspiration.

Big John worked in a brick yard where his job was to move bricks from one location to another. Each man picked up a brick in each hand and walked to the yard and stacked them. This is the way the brick yard had operated for years. Big John because of his strength and hand size could carry two bricks in each hand and still make the same number of trips. Big John went to management and requested the pay of two men as he was performing the work of two men. The management fired big John and gave the following reasons. His work load set a new standard that was above the ability of the rest of the men. If Big John got sick and missed work the yard was short two men and not just one. Labor problems and increased risk associated with the change. Another employee little John, because he was lazy, made a hook that permitted any man to pick up four bricks with each hand. Little John went to management with his invention and proposed that wages be increased by two as the work was increased by four. Management was happy. The rest of the workers were happy. Little John became the brick yard supervisor and rehired Big John.

The story above is an important business lesson. The productivity of the individual is important. The contribution to the increased performance of the organization is the teamwork that separates your company from the competition. Building the efficient team oriented organization is the ultimate resource that is untapped in most organizations. In business the costs for resources are basically the same. Utilities, cost of labor, transportation, construction costs, rental rates, etc. What sets one company apart from the competition is the productivity of the human resources. Making sure everyone is informed, knows where the company is going and how it intends to get there is a basic step. Most people want to contribute and be recognized. The better the communications, the more opportunities there are for the human resources to contribute above the level of their compensation.

Most management consultants understand the largest and easiest rapid business improvements are in productivity. Ownership and Senior Management of successful businesses are always looking for the increased efficiency, thru put, and productivity that will gain their company an edge in the market. The ideas and innovations to increase market share, build profits, and cut expenses are many times, available in house.

Ken Roys, CEO

BTF Management Consultants Inc

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