do you enforce 100% compliance with your Standard Operational Processes?

Mac · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 12:07 AM

Im somewhat internally torn now. Not all of my maintenance processes are being followed to a "T". A solid 95% of them are but the 5% that are being skipped are getting to me - maybe just the simple fact that my labor is disrespecting me and my rules - maybe its more; im not sure. None the less, I can physically feel the stress building inside me.

The results are acceptable and well within my quality standards but I keep finding myself getting frustrated about the 5% of SOP that is getting overlooked. Do I get out of my own way and overlook the little things or do I force my issues and make sure my processes are kept 100%. Thanks for your input.

Greensmith · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 01:14 AM

As much as we like to think 100% of the rules like to be followed they never will be. When you have a stake in the business (owner,co-) you are on the clock and feel others should be 100% there as well. But the 95% is a pretty good following if you ask me.
I feel the turmoil too when I see stupid things ignored. I stress cleanliness and see the occasional water bottle left behind or stray mulch. Sometimes the employee is just a little too sloppy in appearance. They think nothing of it but my insides are like "what is this guys malfunctioN!?. I always think to myself is it REALLY important to harp on it. The only exception is when I know that ignored process is going to bite me in the ass.

Fine Edge · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2008, 08:11 AM

You are going to lose 5% somewhere along the way. Just ,make sure it's not a very important 5% and I would be happy.
I don't know if it's possible to have 100% constantly, maybe flashes of it for awhile but when you consider nobody is perfect in this world, I don't think the quest for perfection will be reached.

There will always be the 1 or 2 little things that we find imperfect, no matter how good things are going.

Count your blessings that things are going as smooth as they are, relax so you don't blow a gasket and maybe just refresh ( calmly ) with the guys what you expect them to do on a regular basis.
If you start to get too strict ( crazy, anal strict ), the job becomes miserable for your employess.

FungusMudGrub · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008, 10:57 PM

If it is the same things getting overlooked every time, maybe there is a reason for it, other than laziness or incompetence. At least talk to the crew to make sure there isn't a legit reason, or an easier way, or a better tool, etc.

And there is definitely such a thing as being too much of a perfectionist - I know that after doing this for almost 15 years, there are certain things that drive me nuts when skipped, but that 99.9% of my clients would never notice.

Mac · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FungusMudGrub

And there is definitely such a thing as being too much of a perfectionist - I know that after doing this for almost 15 years, there are certain things that drive me nuts when skipped, but that 99.9% of my clients would never notice.

That right there is the truth! I just need to continually remind myself of it. When I do a task, it is efficiently done to perfection; when others do a task it is efficiently done to the standards. I notice the difference but I suspect most clients do not. Maybe the key for me is letting go of my fear - fear of loosing clients since it is not always 100% perfect.