Finally someone mentioned it - non-productive activities that waste a lot of time and energy. That is what bothers me a lot here. Management is so obsessed with details and non productive activities, it really annoys me. I wouldn't call it perfectionism, but rather spending time on insignificant things to avoid dealing with things that really matter. I have no other explanation for it.
7 replies (most recent on top)
".....Or, will 20% of the workforce continue to do 80% of the work?"
Unfortunately the 20% that break their backs to get work done haven't lived through the abuse and lack of recognition for good work.
The 80% are those that have broke their backs to succeed only to have management ex------t thrown on them. They learned the hard way and just do what is needed to get by.
@3oug agreed 20% are doing most of the work and 50% could be released
What I see is over time people who lack a strong moral compass justify ceasing working or drastically reducing their work. These people know they aren’t contributing but because they did contribute once upon a time they feel they are entitled to lifetime employment. After all they are just being “good Ford employees” playing the Ford game, so they should be rewarded for mastering the Ford game.
".....Or, will 20% of the workforce continue to do 80% of the work?" posted by @1npo+1gcASikf.
First of all, seeing this occur in various departments on a daily basis, I agree with your statement. Secondly, apparently, most of our Ford colleagues agree with your statement - at the time I am writing this response there are 11 positive reactions and 0 negative reactions to your post.
What really confuses me though is that in the past, there have been posters that have stated on this site that there should be personnel reductions of 50% of the employees. And when they have written that comment on this site there has always been a negative reaction to the posting. Literally the opposite of the 11 positive and 0 negative reactions of your posting. However, it seems to me that 50% reduction would be about right if 20% of the employees are doing 80% of the work. I'm sure there is a simple algebraic equation to determine if it is 30%, 40%, or 50% based upon the 20/80 numbers, but I am just going to use the 50% number provided by previous posters.
So, my question to all of you giving this poster great positive response is - why complain if you are not willing to get rid of all the poor performing employees that exist in the company? I mean if you don't want to get rid of the dead weight in the company, then just accept that 20% are doing 80% of the work. From what I have witnessed, it has been that way forever. We can't have it both ways is what I am saying.
I am not trying to attack the poster who wrote the 20/80 comment or any of the people who responded positively to the posting. As I stated, I agree with all of you. But, I also support the idea that 50% of the employees could or should be let go. I am really interested in serious responses to why anyone can complain about the 20/80 problem, but not support getting rid of 50% of the employees. The only thought that makes sense to me, is that either (1) everyone thinks they are one of the 20% (which we know contradicts reality), or (2) the 20% are worried they will also be let go in a 50% reduction. Well, if it is #1 - then we all heard the story "Mirror, mirror on the wall.....". And if it is #2, I get that, too (we have seen this occur first hand in past personnel reductions) - but then I don't get why complain about it though. I mean do you actually think by complaining about it the management team will do some actual real management work and spread out the workload among the non-performers? Get real, most of the management belong to the group of non-performers - it is not like they are going to read a posting and "see the light" and start working/being productive next week. I am very interested in serious, well-thought about responses. It is quite possible that I may learn something that I am missing in my thinking.
I work with an EC group that has a chief of staff office. An LL5, multiple LL6s and GSRs. No engineering degrees. Do nothing but make lists and ankle bite. Non value add.
Lists. Lists of Lists. Lists of Lists of Lists. Is anyone capable of doing work anymore? Or, will 20% of the workforce continue to do 80% of the work?
Safety. Management is looking for safe and simple work. There is a lot of fear.
Meetings.