In a message dated 98-06-09 23:17:52 EDT, you write:
> NEVER let yourself fall into the trap of believing that since someone
> only has an AA degree in metal fab that he's some kind of "shop ape"
> who can't possibley "get it".
Michael...
I can't agree more with your full posting in response to Ed Brenegar ...
it was a blunder and a demonstration of the limiting concepts within so
many organizations of all sizes by people who should know better--but
appear not to.
I would also suggest that including the statement about an AA degree may
be too limiting. There are thousands of workers out there spending their
time "training" those with degrees to be able to perform their jobs at
all, let alone to be able to do it better--and often these are people who
don't have one hour toward the AA or even a certification that indicates
some kine of "legitimacy." To not give those people credit for exemplary
service and contribution to the bottom lines of their organizations is
belittleing and demeaning....and to have those thoughts come through so
clearly on this list (in the noted posting) is scarey.
The biggest errors are made from not knowing the things that are learned
and applied every day standing at the machines and behind the counters at
every day jobs. Get real....those of us who "came up through the ranks"
know (and I hope many who didn't) where the real value is in the
organizations we serve: value is located in every job, every where, all
through the organization, at whatever rank--or the job shouldn't exist.
We also know that combining the knowledge of the members all through
organizations can only be achieved through an openness and seeking of
knowledge that cannot be done by people who consciously or unconsciously
demonstrate bias through connotations reflected by statements around words
and language such as "apes."
Yet, I'm sure (hope) it was an unintentional blunder. It gives us all an
opportunity to reflect on the language we use and what it indicates to
listeners (readers).
Jane Seiling
Business Performance Group
Lima, OH jseiling@wcoil.com
419-227-7979
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