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| The GPL and the Family |
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A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing the effect of The Guiding Principles on my family, and I would like to share that experience.
In my 10 years at Marquip, while I have always taken great pride in my job, the company, and our facility, I have never had the opportunity to take my parents through the facility. Recently, that opportunity arose, with unexpected results and rewards. |
We began our plant tour late in the afternoon, when much of the production staff had already gone home. This, we hoped, would allow us to comfortably explore the facility, without impeding ongoing production. We began in the administrative offices, as I knew this would be an impressive way to initiate things, along with providing an accurate view of where production really starts. At this time of day, most of our office staff members are still in, and what became readily apparent to both of my parents was the congeniality and personal attention we received up in the office. They both commented about how friendly and outgoing everyone was in making them feel welcome. It was a great foundation for the rest of the tour to follow. | |
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Leaving the administrative area, we proceeded to the production floor, where we started at the "incoming" areas, and basically followed the flow of product through the facility. This might be a good time to mention that my father spent 45 years working for an innovative and forward-thinking industry leader in the paper manufacturing business, while my mother ran a midsize retail distribution operation, and I knew going in that they would not be a pushover for awing and impressing. Leaving the front office, we went to the stock incoming area of manufacturing, and basically followed the flow of product, from raw to finished, through the building. Once again, my folks were impressed with the friendliness shown by the employees on the production floor. Beyond that, they were thoroughly impressed with the facility, which was obvious from their comments and demeanor.
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Just when I thought our tour was about over is when the biggest surprise and delight of the day occurred. At the entry/exit of the manufacturing bay, there, posted on a nicely-framed setting, is The Guiding Principles of Leadership. As we approached that area, and my father and I were engaged in talking shop, I noticed my mother's attention being directed toward the framed "GPLs." As she read them, I watched her, and it became apparent to me, as only a son can recognize in his mother, that she was touched by what she was reading. As she finished, she turned around with a huge smile, and asked my father to come and read this. As he did, my mother just shook her head in obvious joy and began asking me about the GPL. What ensued was a lengthy conversation about the background and propagation of the GPL, and I can most certainly say, that for my mother at least, it was the highlight of the visit. My father, being a less vocal person, only had to nod in agreement to convey his respect for the GPL. |
In several conversations and settings since, we have revisited the concept, and I am happy to say that what started out as a facility tour for my family was enhanced as a profound, rewarding experience, thanks to The Guiding Principles.
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