Comments on: The Way of Toyota, Great Companies and Mary Zatina http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/ A weekly stimulant for those who lead Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:36:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 by: Business and Personal Finance http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-16005 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:10:32 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-16005 <strong>Business and Personal Finance</strong> I couldn't understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting Business and Personal Finance

I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting

]]> by: Frank http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-402 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 18:45:44 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-402 You are telling the truth, man. Forget about those people who know nothing but attacking the truth. The truth is, big three suck and they never pay attention to the professional people because they don't have union. They don't respect people, knowledge, loyalty and in that they should be punished. You are telling the truth, man. Forget about those people who know nothing but attacking the truth. The truth is, big three suck and they never pay attention to the professional people because they don’t have union. They don’t respect people, knowledge, loyalty and in that they should be punished.

]]> by: Frank Brady http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-216 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:07:37 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-216 Thanks for the reply Dan. I too appreciate the balance in your articles. Keep them coming. All the best to Mary in her new position. Frank Thanks for the reply Dan. I too appreciate the balance in your articles. Keep them coming. All the best to Mary in her new position.
Frank

]]> by: dan http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-213 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 02:49:01 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-213 <p>Frank,</p> <p>Thanks so much for writing about this week's RFL. I love your pride about GM and the way you speak to the kind of spirit I was writing about: openness on management's part to new ideas, and an approach which recognizes the value of listening to the people who are closest to the work, involving them in critical decisions, and treating them with respect.</p> <p>I appreciate too your balanced approach. It helps create an opening for learning and for re-examination. I think that approach stands in stark contrast to so much of the the kind of attacks of black-and-white-righteousness that have found their way into the papers and blogsites this week. I'll bet people want to work for and with you, because you speak directly yet fairly at the same time. Your Jesuit training shows through!</p> <p>You invited me to see the good things at GM, as well as at Toyota. As you probably know, I HAVE written positive things about the Big 3 (as recently as 11/27/06 I was celebrating Ford's incredible heritage, resilience and contribution), and undoubtedly I will do so again. This week's column was never intended as an attack on the Big 3 or anyone else. I am sorry that some people amidst these brutally challenging times felt that saying good about Toyota meant I was saying something bad about our homegrown companies. The last thing in the world I would want to do is to somehow dampen the spirits of great people fighting for our way of life, our future, our jobs. It saddened me to know that some of my Big 3 readers felt that way. It gratified me that you and one other person acted with integrity and wrote directly to me about it. Thanks!</p> <p>What's the lesson for me, as I try to lead with ideas? It's certainly clear that it's tough to extol some without having others feel diminished. I can appreciate this. It would be hard for me to hear a friend say good things about Dick DeVos a month before my wife stands for re-election against him; or frustrating to hear a Detroiter champion the Heat when the Pistons are about to take them on. Now, I think we can learn from our opposition and in some ways -- as idealistic as it may sound -- we ought to have the clinical eyes to look dispassionately at the strengths of others. But I have certainly seen that especially when the stakes are high and friends have their backs against the wall, I need to heighten my sensitivity to how I express things. A big lesson for me is to be more explicit, more clear about what I'm NOT saying, and more assertively win-win in my descriptions. I look forward to writing more, for instance, about the ways -- clearly documented -- that the domestics have been seriously closing the quality gap.</p> <p>I'll have to come see the great things you're doing in Pontiac. And thanks for prompting me to keep thinking and to try a little harder to </p> <p>lead with my best self,</p> <p>Dan </p> Frank,

Thanks so much for writing about this week’s RFL. I love your pride about GM and the way you speak to the kind of spirit I was writing about: openness on management’s part to new ideas, and an approach which recognizes the value of listening to the people who are closest to the work, involving them in critical decisions, and treating them with respect.

I appreciate too your balanced approach. It helps create an opening for learning and for re-examination. I think that approach stands in stark contrast to so much of the the kind of attacks of black-and-white-righteousness that have found their way into the papers and blogsites this week. I’ll bet people want to work for and with you, because you speak directly yet fairly at the same time. Your Jesuit training shows through!

You invited me to see the good things at GM, as well as at Toyota. As you probably know, I HAVE written positive things about the Big 3 (as recently as 11/27/06 I was celebrating Ford’s incredible heritage, resilience and contribution), and undoubtedly I will do so again. This week’s column was never intended as an attack on the Big 3 or anyone else. I am sorry that some people amidst these brutally challenging times felt that saying good about Toyota meant I was saying something bad about our homegrown companies. The last thing in the world I would want to do is to somehow dampen the spirits of great people fighting for our way of life, our future, our jobs. It saddened me to know that some of my Big 3 readers felt that way. It gratified me that you and one other person acted with integrity and wrote directly to me about it. Thanks!

What’s the lesson for me, as I try to lead with ideas? It’s certainly clear that it’s tough to extol some without having others feel diminished. I can appreciate this. It would be hard for me to hear a friend say good things about Dick DeVos a month before my wife stands for re-election against him; or frustrating to hear a Detroiter champion the Heat when the Pistons are about to take them on. Now, I think we can learn from our opposition and in some ways — as idealistic as it may sound — we ought to have the clinical eyes to look dispassionately at the strengths of others. But I have certainly seen that especially when the stakes are high and friends have their backs against the wall, I need to heighten my sensitivity to how I express things. A big lesson for me is to be more explicit, more clear about what I’m NOT saying, and more assertively win-win in my descriptions. I look forward to writing more, for instance, about the ways — clearly documented — that the domestics have been seriously closing the quality gap.

I’ll have to come see the great things you’re doing in Pontiac. And thanks for prompting me to keep thinking and to try a little harder to

lead with my best self,

Dan

]]> by: Mike Neiss http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-212 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:28:52 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-212 Dan, Please check out the blog at www.tompeters.com. I was appalled at the comments directed at you in the Detroit News. I know you have Michigan's best at heart. I know that you would endorse our friend Jim's tagline "love em and lead em" Best Mike Dan, Please check out the blog at www.tompeters.com. I was appalled at the comments directed at you in the Detroit News. I know you have Michigan’s best at heart. I know that you would endorse our friend Jim’s tagline “love em and lead em”

Best

Mike

]]> by: Andrew Masson http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-208 Wed, 21 Feb 2007 22:14:02 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-208 Dan, "Toyota gets brilliant results from average people operating perfect processes. Toyota observes that competitors get average results from brilliant people operating broken processes." You, sir, were fortunate to work with a woman who had the vision and the courage to communicate "what" (result) she wanted and to allow the "who" to look intensely at the the "how" to be certain that the "how" would get them the "what." The devil is in the detail of the process. The great leader knows that the people who operate the process can find the devil and get rid of him. She encourages them to make the process perfect. Such courage and such a display of lack of ego. You were watching an artist at work. You shall miss her greatly. Give her successor the latitude to lead the same way. Respectfully, Andrew Masson Dan,
“Toyota gets brilliant results from average people operating perfect processes. Toyota observes that competitors get average results from brilliant people operating broken processes.”

You, sir, were fortunate to work with a woman who had the vision and the courage to communicate “what” (result) she wanted and to allow the “who” to look intensely at the the “how” to be certain that the “how” would get them the “what.” The devil is in the detail of the process. The great leader knows that the people who operate the process can find the devil and get rid of him. She encourages them to make the process perfect.

Such courage and such a display of lack of ego. You were watching an artist at work. You shall miss her greatly. Give her successor the latitude to lead the same way.

Respectfully,

Andrew Masson

]]> by: Sandi Nielsen http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-207 Wed, 21 Feb 2007 21:01:28 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-207 Dan, Your recognition of Mary Z. as a model leader is a tribute to both her and to yourself as a leader. Being able to recognize the positive skills, attributes, and behaviors of others is an example and modeling of the emotional intelligence competencies of developing others and team work. I have worked with Mary as a peer for a number of years and count her as a good friend as well and I am very happy to hear of her new career opportunity. You go Girl! I also read the News article today that criticized your newsletter as being "insensitive" to the US automakers and our state businesses and economy. Although I am very conscious of the impact of the economy from my work in the consulting, coaching and training and development fields, I, in no way saw your message as being un-supportive of US and MI businesses. I read the message as your tribute to a best in class or benchmark company that we can learn from or not. I have family members from my dad to brothers to others who work for the BIG 3 and in talking to them, none felt the message was not supoprtive of local companies. Keep the messages coming! Sandi Nielsen Executive Director Profesional Education Center, College of Business, EMU snielse1@emich.edu VP Programming for Ann Arbor ASTD Dan,
Your recognition of Mary Z. as a model leader is a tribute to both her and to yourself as a leader. Being able to recognize the positive skills, attributes, and behaviors of others is an example and modeling of the emotional intelligence competencies of developing others and team work. I have worked with Mary as a peer for a number of years and count her as a good friend as well and I am very happy to hear of her new career opportunity. You go Girl!

I also read the News article today that criticized your newsletter as being “insensitive” to the US automakers and our state businesses and economy. Although I am very conscious of the impact of the economy from my work in the consulting, coaching and training and development fields, I, in no way saw your message as being un-supportive of US and MI businesses. I read the message as your tribute to a best in class or benchmark company that we can learn from or not. I have family members from my dad to brothers to others who work for the BIG 3 and in talking to them, none felt the message was not supoprtive of local companies.

Keep the messages coming!
Sandi Nielsen
Executive Director Profesional Education Center, College of Business, EMU snielse1@emich.edu
VP Programming for Ann Arbor ASTD

]]> by: Frank Brady http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-195 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 20:21:10 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-195 Dan, The Toyota Production System is well known and respected by the domestic manufactures. In fact, many of the elements of our own production systems are modeled after the TPS. It is critical, however, that we acknowledge the cultural changes that have occured within GM, Ford an Chrysler. In particular at GM, about twenty years ago, the UAW and the company joinlty developed strategies for improving the safety, quality, and efficiency of our production operations. Since then, GM, with the help of its union partners, has returned to a very competitive posiiton in the industry. And, unlike Toyota, we continue to do this with 80% domestic content! And I know similar efforts have occured at Ford and Chrysler. While I acknowledge the success of Toyota, I am most proud of the hourly and salaried workers of our domestic manufacturers who have made significant contributions in returning us to greatness. We know we have far to go, but the momentum is there. I invite you to see first hand the culture changes in our plants and hopefully feel moved to write about us as well. Thanks Dan. Frank Dan,
The Toyota Production System is well known and respected by the domestic manufactures. In fact, many of the elements of our own production systems are modeled after the TPS. It is critical, however, that we acknowledge the cultural changes that have occured within GM, Ford an Chrysler. In particular at GM, about twenty years ago, the UAW and the company joinlty developed strategies for improving the safety, quality, and efficiency of our production operations. Since then, GM, with the help of its union partners, has returned to a very competitive posiiton in the industry. And, unlike Toyota, we continue to do this with 80% domestic content! And I know similar efforts have occured at Ford and Chrysler. While I acknowledge the success of Toyota, I am most proud of the hourly and salaried workers of our domestic manufacturers who have made significant contributions in returning us to greatness. We know we have far to go, but the momentum is there. I invite you to see first hand the culture changes in our plants and hopefully feel moved to write about us as well. Thanks Dan.
Frank

]]> by: Patrice R. Merritt http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-192 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:23:12 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-192 To Mary Zatina: A woman of quiet elegance with many talents, one of the most important being humility. Thank you, Mary, for your service to this State, our communities and for leading with your best self. To Mary Zatina: A woman of quiet elegance with many talents, one of the most important being humility.

Thank you, Mary, for your service to this State, our communities and for leading with your best self.

]]> by: Kerri http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-191 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:11:21 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-191 Just a quick note, I have to say that I noticed Mary was 'different'... in a good way :) the very first time I met her. I worked for the L.G at the time and I walked out to talk to our receptionist Simone about something and she was talking to this woman whom I had never met and I joined easily in to the conversation (Mary made it very easy), and we sat there and shot the breeze for a few minutes... and I thought wow, what a down to earth nice lady, shortly thereafter Simone said "oh Kerri, have you met the First Gentleman's Chief of Staff?" I have to say I was very surprised and delighted to meet a Chief of Staff that was that laid back and took the time like she was doing. Over the years I never really got to know her very well, but I can say I have never heard a bad word about her, and the few things I have heard made me realize she was indeed an all around great person. I wish her the best in her new endeavor!!! Just a quick note, I have to say that I noticed Mary was ‘different’… in a good way :) the very first time I met her. I worked for the L.G at the time and I walked out to talk to our receptionist Simone about something and she was talking to this woman whom I had never met and I joined easily in to the conversation (Mary made it very easy), and we sat there and shot the breeze for a few minutes… and I thought wow, what a down to earth nice lady, shortly thereafter Simone said “oh Kerri, have you met the First Gentleman’s Chief of Staff?” I have to say I was very surprised and delighted to meet a Chief of Staff that was that laid back and took the time like she was doing. Over the years I never really got to know her very well, but I can say I have never heard a bad word about her, and the few things I have heard made me realize she was indeed an all around great person. I wish her the best in her new endeavor!!!

]]> by: TR Welch http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-189 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:29:28 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-189 In early 2005 Anita and I had the pleasure of introducing our family to Mary Zatina during a DMB reception for Jennifer and Dan. During our discussion Mary asked "how" could "we" really make State Employee Appreciation Day shine? Anita and I responded, "Why not have a special day at the ball-park with the Lansing Lugnuts? Kudos to Mary and staff who worked the idea into a reality. The summer of 2006 brought a fine day for a family friendly event at the ballpark. Memories include our National Anthem delivered with brilliance, children having spectacular fun and full representation across state government. Indeed, it was a warm celebration of service to our great state, Michigan! Fireworks to boot! I pray the event becomes an annual tradition. Thank you Dan, Mary and Staff for leading with your best self. Tom, Anita, Nikita, Bryant, Maya and Devina In early 2005 Anita and I had the pleasure of introducing our family to Mary Zatina during a DMB reception for Jennifer and Dan. During our discussion Mary asked “how” could “we” really make State Employee Appreciation Day shine? Anita and I responded, “Why not have a special day at the ball-park with the Lansing Lugnuts?

Kudos to Mary and staff who worked the idea into a reality. The summer of 2006 brought a fine day for a family friendly event at the ballpark. Memories include our National Anthem delivered with brilliance, children having spectacular fun and full representation across state government.

Indeed, it was a warm celebration of service to our great state, Michigan! Fireworks to boot! I pray the event becomes an annual tradition.

Thank you Dan, Mary and Staff for leading with your best self.
Tom, Anita, Nikita, Bryant, Maya and Devina

]]> by: Nancy Foltz-Adams http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-175 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:05:26 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-175 Dan, Your description of Mary Zatina's work and impact on organizations is so true. She found time and a way to care for everyone; even when her plate was overflowing with priorities. I was continually and repeatedly amazed how she did it all; and did it all so well. She is a model and example for us all. I am fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with and know her. Thank you for celebrating her talents, and acknowledging her contributions. Dan,
Your description of Mary Zatina’s work and impact on organizations is so true. She found time and a way to care for everyone; even when her plate was overflowing with priorities. I was continually and repeatedly amazed how she did it all; and did it all so well. She is a model and example for us all. I am fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with and know her. Thank you for celebrating her talents, and acknowledging her contributions.

]]> by: Carol Conn http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-174 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:36:03 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-174 I was delighted to see your tribute to Mary. I got to know her this past summer and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her on a few projects. I hope our paths will continue to cross. She is absolutely the best. I was delighted to see your tribute to Mary. I got to know her this past summer and feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her on a few projects. I hope our paths will continue to cross. She is absolutely the best.

]]> by: CARLA POMA http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-173 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:30:20 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-173 Dan, I hear what you are saying and I believe what you are saying, the unfortunate thing right now is that we are not seeing this happen. This is true especially of the companies auto or not who are laying off. Their only vision is to cut expenses and cutting employees is the easiest thing. They need to start at the top of the heap and not at the bottom. How about the executives of any company out there to take a 25% cut out of their own $300,000 plus incomes. That would allow 2 or more employees at the bottom to keep their jobs. As a small business owner I am vowing to keep everyone working as long as I can and not to outsource. We all have to work a little harder and work as a team to keep the clients happy and the financial rewards will come. Dan,
I hear what you are saying and I believe what you are saying, the unfortunate thing right now is that we are not seeing this happen. This is true especially of the companies auto or not who are laying off. Their only vision is to cut expenses and cutting employees is the easiest thing. They need to start at the top of the heap and not at the bottom.
How about the executives of any company out there to take a 25% cut out of their own $300,000 plus incomes. That would allow 2 or more employees at the bottom to keep their jobs.
As a small business owner I am vowing to keep everyone working as long as I can and not to outsource. We all have to work a little harder and work as a team to keep the clients happy and the financial rewards will come.

]]> by: Leslie Murphy http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-172 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:28:47 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/02/the-way-of-toyota-great-companies-and-mary-zatina/#comment-172 Dan, This was a great tribute to Mary Zatina and well deserved. She is a talented executive and touches everyone with a genuine, caring attitude. Oakwood is lucky to have her on their team. No doubt she will help them with both their culture and strategy. Dan,

This was a great tribute to Mary Zatina and well deserved. She is a talented executive and touches everyone with a genuine, caring attitude. Oakwood is lucky to have her on their team. No doubt she will help them with both their culture and strategy.

]]>