🚀 go-pugleaf

        I feel that I have to answer Earl Harrington's description of
        fear at Frito-Lay.  First, an introduction.  My name is Robert
        Burns and I'm an environmental engineer at EPA Region IV in
        Atlanta, Georgia.  I'm also a MBA student at Georgia State
        University majoring in management.  Don't hold that against me.

        I'm currently involved in a major streamlining effort at EPA that
        purports to include employee involvement.  Unfortunately, the
        employees have been so un-involved (or is it de-involved?), they
        are horribly cynical about their contributions being taken
        seriously.  Yet, when staff was asked to contribute to a
        reorganization plan, they submitted their plans, hoping that this
        time, management was being honest about taking input seriously.
        Management screwed up again, writing their own plan and declaring
        it to be superior.  To say the least, many employees will not
        contribute to further efforts to improve their work environment.

        I'm challenging Mr. Harrington's premise that "simply by asking
        they will feel good and like they have a say in the big picture
        and even if you don't like what they say or if you don't use
        their suggestion at least they can say they got to voice their
        opinion and feel important."  It's not that simple.  If you keep
        asking and then ignoring, you will certainly alienate those who
        contribute.  Managers must give feedback on the ideas so that
        they are clearly communicating with their workers.  Otherwise, it
        looks like they aren't listening...

        My colleague in the next office over is a Frito-Lay management
        veteran (or is it refugee?) from the Charlotte plant.  He would
        like to know what Earl thinks of fear in the workplace when you
        return to Catawba in the fall.  So would I.  Any other thoughts?

        ********************************************************
        Robert D. Burns, Environmental Engineer
        Water Management Division
        EPA Region IV - Atlanta, Georgia USA
        Internet: burns.robert@epamail.epa.gov
                    yrr@nccibm1.bitnet.com
        ********************************************************