More wisdom from last week's factory tours with Ritsuo Shingo: 1. Don't ask workers for improvement ideas. Ask them:
- What work they don't like
- What work is tiring
- Any suggestions they have for management
In other words, you can't just ask for "improvement ideas" unless and until you've established trust -- i.e., until you've earned the right to ask for their help.
2. "Blaming your workers is like spitting in the sky. It comes back down on your face. It's your teaching that needs to be improved."
'Nuff said.