I MUST SEE THE CHIPS

The following story is used to illustrate productivity.

During the depression of 1929 a labor experiment was performed. During times of almost 100% unemployment, with soup lines in the street, a job was offered for standard wages chopping wood with a single bit axe. The back side of the axe was a sledge hammer. As men were hired each man was given the same instructions. Do not use the axe side of the tool. The supervisor then left and the worker was observed from a hidden site. Every man reacted in the same manner. Worked for a while and then stopped or turned the tool around and chopped the log in two. The supervisor was summoned by the hidden observer and the instructions were repeated. When the supervisor left the actions were repeated. This cycle was repeated until the worker quit the job. Please remember this was in a world depression and a job was everything. One of the workers summarized the work conditions with “I have to see the chips”. Marines in boot camp are requested to bail water in the ocean or dig and refill holes for the same reason; it breaks the spirit and conditions the men to follow orders even to death.

Every business owner understands that he must compensate employees with money and benefits. Few employers understand the importance of individual recognition and the belief that a useful product or service is being created. The story above is an important business lesson. The productivity of the individual is important in every organization. The recognition of individual efforts and maintaining the communications that permit each employee to see the finished product are more important than money. The contribution to the increased performance of the organization is what 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 basis 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 a 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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