In the world of heroes, my brother, the legendary guitarist Robert Fripp, knows the distinction between the occasional hero, the everyday hero, and the superhero. In our presentations, Robert reveals these categories, and it's a fascinating insight.
The occasional hero may shine in a moment, but it's not something they consistently replicate. The superhero, rare as they are, seems to have a pulse on every office, every situation, everywhere. Not every company has the luxury of such a figure.
Then there's the everyday hero. These individuals don't seek the spotlight; they simply go above and beyond, adding that extra 10% to what's expected, all without fuss or complaint.
Every company has its employees and associates, but as the Fripp definition highlights, genuine everyday heroes are a precious find. Let me share an example.
Meet Joyce Ward, a Business Performance Officer at Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activities, a Navy organization focused on ship repair. Joyce's story is a testament to the incredible contributions that often come from those you've never heard of.
Back in 1994, Joyce's team faced a daunting problem - a 40% failure rate in lifeboat rafts. Fast forward to the year 2000, and that rate plummeted to 1% or even less. How did they turn it around?
They embarked on a journey of process analysis, tracking who did what, and where errors occurred. But what truly sparked the transformation was observing an extraordinary employee named Joey. His work was impeccable, but he seemed to be doing the same things as everyone else. It was through patient observation and even videotaping that they discovered his unique approach.
Joey's game-changing insight? He folded the valve under, not towards the top, making it more secure and durable. A simple tweak, suggested by a young man seemingly low on the organizational hierarchy, turned out to be a game-changer. It's a reminder that innovation often lies with those "down on the deck."
By asking the right questions, Joyce and her team transformed a major problem into a shining success. Joey's idea became the department standard, affecting the entire Navy, and he even received a $2500 award for his contribution.
So remember, every hero has their story, and sometimes the most impactful ones come from the least expected sources. Let's appreciate and listen to those everyday heroes who can change the game and make our world better. It's through their innovation that challenges become opportunities, and we all sail safer in the end.
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14 окт 2024
