A new link to the QIC – Quality Interview Chain. Let’s meet James Lawther. A Head of Operational Excellence from Nottingham, United Kingdom.
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* YOURSELF / OCCUPATION: Who are you and what you do?
I am currently the Head of Operational Excellence for a FTSE 100 insurance company in the UK, though I have done flavors of the same job in Banking, Retail, FMCG and the Public Sector.
When I am asked what I do at a dinner party I either say I “work in a call center” or I’m an “organisational mechanic”, I guess it depends on how many drinks I have had and how much I am enjoying the party.
* CHALLENGES: What was the biggest challenge you faced in your job and how did you handle it?
I think the challenge is always people. It would be easy to improve things if organisations didn’t employ people. It is invariably egos, pride, position, power and fear that make my job challenging. The way to handle it is always to be supportive and helpful. Making others look good is the key to success.
On a positive note if it wasn’t for the people issues I would be out of a job, so I shouldn’t complain too much.
* CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and improve as a professional and/or as a person?
In my spare time I blog at www.squawkpoint.com. The only way to come up with new ideas for posts is to read other people’s ideas and combine them. Blogging forces me to read and connect with others.
* QUALITY QUOTE: Which is your favorite quality quote?
“Having no problems is the biggest problem of all” by Taiichi Ohno
Unless you admit there is a problem and are prepared to do something about it nothing will ever get better.
* MOTIVATION / PASSION: What motivates you to do what you do? What are you truly passionate about?
The most satisfying thing is when I help other people improve their daily work so that their jobs are more effective and they can enjoy their time at work more, seeing people realize that they can change what they do for the better and not be stuck in the 9 to 5 grind gives me a real buzz.
* ADVICE / RECOMMENDATION: What advice would you pass along to others taking the same path as you? Any specific books/blogs/authors you would recommend?
- The Leaders Handbook by Peter Scholtes ~ A great way to learn about Deming
- Poke the Box by Seth Godin ~ You only really learn by trying something new
- Dilbert by Scott Adams ~ Dilbert is the most overlooked Quality Guru
* FREE TIME: In your free time, what do you like to do to relax?
Other than blogging I enjoy running, cooking and time with my wife and daughters. I’m also enjoy novels, especially ones with fast cars, loose women and guns – though the truth is they would scare the life out of me.
* HUMOR: I’m convinced that humor at work is the best remedy to reduce stress and help you with your productivity; do you have any funny stories/videos/pictures you would like to share with us?I hope this comic reinforces my point about Dilbert.
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Connect with James Lawther!
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Thank you very much JAMES LAWTHER for being part of this project and sharing your experiences. I appreciate it.
Ref: Thanks Scott Adams for let me share your comic on my blog! Please, visit Dilbert.com for more fun comics!.
1 Comment
Srinivas · March 2, 2016 at 4:55 am
What type of people are more likely to be seen in the organizations. How do you interact with them to change them.
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