Several New Hampshire people attended October's Baldrige Regional Conference in Cambridge, MA featuring 2008 National Baldrige Award Recipients Cargill Corn Milling, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and Poudre Valley Health System. Thanks to Jack Meagher (New Hampshire Ball Bearings) and Jeff Allar (Stonyfield Farm) for the following practical insights applicable to any organization.
- Engage the Workforce: It was a key to success for all of these organizations to get employees and other stakeholders involved. They communicated what they were doing, why they were doing it, and got employee ideas to do it better.
- The award was nice, then the journey continues: It is important to recognize and celebrate accomplishments. Each recipient considered the award a milestone in a journey and an opportunity to take a BIG breath. Then it was time to get back to work and keep the momentum going.
- Sustainability: In July, the Superintendent of the Iredell-Statesville Schools was appointed the Commissioner of Education for Kentucky. Because of the roadmap and achievements provided by the use of the Criteria, and continual stakeholder engagement, they have been able to continue their improvement path without dropping the ball.
- Managing in the current economy: These organizations seemed more prepared to manage through the current economy and handle the challenges extraordinarily well.
- Openness and transparency: These organizations are open about their practices and very willing to share with others.
There is one more opportunity this year to hear from a 2008 Baldrige Recipient in New England. George Hayes, President and CEO of Poudre Valley Health System's Medical Center of the Rockies will Keynote the Vermont Council for Quality's Fall Conference on December 7 & 8. At the end of November the 2009 Baldrige Award Recipients will be announced. The GSQC will share information about these new recipients in the coming months.
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