Moon The Loon Posted August 16, 2003 Share Posted August 16, 2003 I'm sure this has been around the patch a long time, but it sure highlights some of your concerns: Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the other monkeys with cold water. After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it. Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted. Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm! Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey. After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana. > > > > > > > > WHY NOT? > > > > > > > > > > Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here. And that, my friends, is how a company policy begins. [anon.] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Patrick Bergen Posted August 16, 2003 Share Posted August 16, 2003 Interesting that the first time that I heard this same story was during my Six Sigma training. The reason for the story was to communicate that in looking for improvements in process one should review everything. I trust you would agree that improving outdated processes is a good thing for AC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moon The Loon Posted August 17, 2003 Author Share Posted August 17, 2003 With regards AC, me, I cannot say. Don't work for 'em. The "parable" (you watching Paul?) is empathetic of views expressed here by many in months past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Patrick Bergen Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 The end for all seems to be the same (at least within AC). Profitability and a workplace that meets employees needs, and desire to participate. As is often the case, the means is a subject of much debate. The monkeys story is a good one though and probably one that could apply at most places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Cronin Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 I have seen it Moon man, but it's good to see again. Six Sigma might actually have a chance at AC if it's actually followed through. I know one of the folks chosen for the "black belt" gig, and he's a damned good guy. If that program has any teeth, and they keep finding good people for it, there's hope for us. Maybe I'll find a way to get the rest of the bananas and we can leave that one hangin' so the keepers'll think they have what they want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Cronin Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Cronin Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 "The end for all seems to be the same" Bingo! There's some who took their MBA's at the jurassic college and don't quite get that, but if nothing else, they'll retire eventually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Cronin Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 "The end for all seems to be the same" Bingo! There's some who took their MBA's at the jurassic college and don't quite get that, but if nothing else, they'll retire eventually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moon The Loon Posted August 17, 2003 Author Share Posted August 17, 2003 Hey fellas, that's encouraging. I'm sure though that it will take a very long time to make such systemic change. Vigilance and perseverance are difficult guards to maintain. Just remember another saying: "There's a light at the end of the tunnel. Or is it a freight train?" But at the end of the working day, there's always ( ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Ace Posted August 17, 2003 Share Posted August 17, 2003 "And that, my friends, is how a company policy begins." Sounds a lot closer to how a union policy begins to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moon The Loon Posted August 18, 2003 Author Share Posted August 18, 2003 Geez, and this thread was so much fun. How's "Never Again" sound in reply? Hope things are working out for you in Calgary, old friend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Cronin Posted August 18, 2003 Share Posted August 18, 2003 Never again? Naw, c'mon ... "Never more" sounds so much more flowery. ...anyway, I could be lost by now, but I thought the beginning of this thread was fun. ( ( :S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Patrick Bergen Posted August 18, 2003 Share Posted August 18, 2003 With a wave of the pen (keyboard) and suggest that Corona has to be the best summer beer. I would be also willing to do a Six Sigma project to prove it........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Cronin Posted August 18, 2003 Share Posted August 18, 2003 Now yer talkin'! I think we could possibly find a few volunteer subjects for that project, eh? My money's on Sleeman's Cream Ale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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