If you go back through my almost nine years of writing weekly articles, you'll find about half a dozen that mention the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
     As I talk with leaders, I find so many that are not even aware that our nation has an organizational award for performance excellence.  So, I keep working to provide an introductory education, making leaders aware that there are some criteria for measuring excellence.
     I hope this week’s article stimulates you to do some independent research, learning about how to stretch your organization’s results, processes, and culture:  “Criteria for Building Organizations of Excellence.”
     Dennis
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     Most leaders are very busy.
     Guess what percentage of leaders and managers could use their time more effectively.  Frankly, I don't know either, but I'd say it's probably close to 100%.
     Perhaps this week’s article, “You Can Improve Your Use of Time,” can help.
     Dennis

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     In working with a client this past week, I shared a "how to" document that I first generated for another client almost ten years ago.  That client was a small business with a very labor intensive operation.  When I was asked what they could do to improve reliability and quality, I suggested that they document their processes.
     In serving my current client, I realized I had never written an article about this topic.  So, I hope you find value in “Documenting Your Organization’s Processes.”
     Dennis

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     It's such a pleasure when I work with organizations that value collaboration.  The energy for seeking excellence is so inspired!
     Ah, but such an environment is much too rare.
     Yet creating a collaborative culture is so worthy of aspiration!
     “Leaders and a Lost Opportunity” may provide some stimulating thoughts!
     Dennis

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     How does an organization seek and achieve continuous improvement?  One way is to periodically reflect on current health; that is, find out what's going well and what could be done more effectively.  Reflecting, however, is one thing that many organizations don't do well.
     This week's article, “Consider a New Year’s ‘Health Checkup’ for Your Organization,” recommends an intentional approach to improvement.
     Dennis
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     I realize there are people of many faiths who receive my articles.  One thing each of us shares is that we each see the world through our very limited beliefs and perceptions.  I may not be able to fully understand your view of the world, but I won't be honest if I don't offer you my insights.
     I am a follower of Christ, so Christmas holds special meaning for me.  I see myself as a sinner who has been saved from eternal separation from God by the grace and unconditional love of Jesus.
     When Jesus came to earth for a few short years, he came to serve, not to be served.
     That's my message for leaders in this week's article.  In whatever way you came to your current role, your responsibility now is to serve those under your authority.  “Use Your Power to Serve Those You Influence.”
     Dennis

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     Do you ever wonder if what you're doing is what you should be doing with your life?  Are you preparing yourself properly for the future you desire?
     Nobody can answer those kinds of questions with certainty.  But we all occasionally ponder these thoughts. And we'd like someone we respect to think about them with us.
    That's what this week's article, “’How I Fit’ and ‘Why I Matter’,” is all about.  Initiate this conversation with those under your influence, and you'll do them and yourself a great service.
    Dennis

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     My article last week was a function of a question asked by a client.  This week's article was generated because of several conversations I've had with valued friends over the past week.
     "Collaboration" is good and often stimulates new insights, such as in "Change, Control, and Consistency."  Enjoy!

     Dennis
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     A leader asked me "How Important is Consistency and Predictability?"
     I offered an immediate response, then decided privately to see what some research had to say about the question.  I hope you find the article of value.
     Dennis
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     I was having a conversation with a client recently about his frustration with people in his organization resisting change.  He begged for a suggestion for potentially reducing resistance to change.  I proposed that he drop the word "change" from his vocabulary and encourage everyone to look for improvement opportunities.  It's hard to argue with improvement!
     Yet it's also not easy to identify and implement improvement if you have a culture where everyone thinks they already are looking for improvement all the time.
     Consider “A Fresh Look at Major Improvements in Your Organization.”
     Dennis

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