Policies of Work and Quality
February 19, 2019 Leave a comment
I was looking in a notebook on my computer and reviewing some of my personal policies and principles of work.
Some have changed over the years. I have spent a lot of years in manufacturing and production, and I really beat my body (and mind) up when I was young. “Being a good worker” has always been important to me. That has never changed. But as I have aged I have learned to be more efficient in regard to staying healthy and happy.
Here is a rough list of policies I practice…. some policies from Zen and Permaculture Design writers that I have incorporated into my strategies and tactics of everday work:
Be practical
- do what works… experience is useful.
Define Quality
for years at work I used a company motto
the standard of Quality is the conformance to Zero defects
Quality is conformance to the standards of production as written.
the standard of zero defects of conformance to the rule.
- if I work in production this is a great principle. it defines what a quality job is in respect to the task at hand.
- how close did I adhere to the defined job in detail to its parameters, written or drafted procedures and layout.
- constant conformance to the written procedures of the task is the practice of quality.
- can i do the job “better ” my way ? well that would break this principle and definition of quality. maybe i should suggest a change to the supervisor or company.
Maybe this principle of Quality doesn’t apply at this firm.
What is the firms principle of Quality
perfect conformation is top quality.
Wu wei
- no action, effort or thinking beyond whats needed. (wu wei)
Bring the right attitude:
- keep a “beginners mind“- Suzuki Shōsan.
- Be confident, unassuming, mindful(observant) and playful (experimental).
Could this conflict the rigorous principle of quality ?well everyday is a new day to look at the mainframe of what is expected of me. their is always novelty , something unexpected will come along. the expert can use a” beginners mind” when a novel circumstance arise, whether its in the mainframe of his processes or not.
Be ergonomic and efficient.
- understanding my body and my environment while at work.
- always remember good posture and movement.
- always use as little stresses on my body/mind as possible: See Wu Wei.
- create good structures and workstations (e.g use a surface tall enough when working on it)
- Use the correct tool the correct way. ( more on ergonomics)
Use everyday science
- use my understandings of leverage, thermodynamics, rates, even saturation (I am pretty damn good and fast at mopping floors with only hot water :) ), gravity and other forces
K.I.S.S or Keep it Simple [,Stupid]
- make small changes for the greater benefit.
- it is much easier understand the changes (including costs and consequences) of a tweak,change or experiment when it is uncomplicated
Know the players of the playground
- heh-heh. This one might seem to contradict the previous policy a bit, but it calls for a little balance. One thing I have learned is people, coworker’s that is, do bring their personalities to work with them. Know what a boss expects out me, and know what my coworkers want out of their day at work. Just like back in school, there are followers, there are there are the Kings and Queens. Work life is alot easier if one pays attention to this.
- In Short: don’t step on toes, inadvertently; and acknowledge coworkers existence and place… usually as simple as a smile and ‘good-morning’.
“The problem is the solution”
- Quote from Bill Mollison. Use difficulties to positive means
Be Ethical.
- practice reciprocity, remain dignified and respect others.
- practice my primary cares: Care of people, Care of Earth, my primary concern of mental wellness
the policy of responsibility of authority
- “The role of beneficial authority is to return function and responsibility to a system or people.
If successful no further authority is needed”. from Bill Mollison’s Permaculture. - in my words: encourage self-sustainability in others… environment and other people.(See me poem!)
I hope to get old gracefully,with less pain and fatigue, and with good productivity.
May you do the same.
this is an update of a previous post
Cherrytree
Pennsylvania Echoes 
you breathed