I've been delinquent in posting to this blog, but it's never far from my thoughts.
Last week I had the privilege to be in Washington, D.C. to attend the Carey Symposium and the 17th Annual Robert W. Carey Performance Excellence Awards Ceremony. In case you aren't familiar with the Carey Program, it's the Baldrige-based program for the Veterans Affairs.
What an uplifting and inspiring event! The people who work in the health care systems for the VA have such a laser-sharp focus on their customers, the veterans and their families. From housekeepers to nurses, from food staff to surgeons, from admitting staff to volunteers, there is no doubt that quality is their way of life. And in case you think that quality can't be applied in everything we do, take a look at one of the recipients of the Performance Excellence Award, the second highest honor in the program, the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. This organization, with only 27 employees, provides a final measure of respect and honor to the veterans who are interred there and a comfort to their families during a difficult time.
The credo of the Veterans Affairs comes straight from Abraham Lincoln and continues to inspire those who serve, "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan."
I'm proud to be a Judge for the Carey Program and to witness the journey of the organizations within the Veterans Affairs toward performance excellence.
It means so much to be reminded of the success other programs and organizations have had on the Baldrige Journey. The Carey Program is such an example.
At the heart of it, and similar Baldrige-based programs, is the desire to be better and do better.
The way the Baldrige Program can do that is through volunteers who give of themselves in ways often unfathomable to most people. They dedicate their time, energy, passion, and abilities to serve on the Baldrige Board of Examiners and help make America better—one organization at a time.
Why do more than 500 of these smart, busy, senior professionals volunteer each year -- and keep coming back? It’s simple. They’ve seen the powerful results of their efforts and have been transformed. Personally and professionally.
To the question about quality for life, I maintain that Baldrige Examiners’ pursuit of quality for life helps improve quality of life around the nation. Because of their efforts to help organizations identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, US schools, medical facilities, businesses, associations, and government entities are improving. And everyone benefits. So what have been some of their results? Here’s a small glimpse of what’s happening:
Children in Alaska have a better school. A better education. A better life.
Patients around the country are being checked-in to better hospitals, and checking-out in better health.
Baldrige-based cities are safer and with more satisfied residents and thriving businesses.
An Ohio steel coating company is producing better products for the auto industry to make better cars for American consumers.
But don’t just take it from me. Listen to what Examiners say: http://www.baldrige.nist.gov/Video/Baldrige_Examiners/Examiner.html
As one Baldrige Examiner said: “Serving as a Baldrige Examiner is one of the richest professional and personal growth experiences in my career….the Criteria hold the key to continuous improvement, higher performance, and sustainability… ”
If anyone else out there is ready to take the Journey of a lifetime, apply by January 6 to be a Baldrige Examiner: http://www.baldrige.nist.gov/Examiner_Application.htm
-Dr. Harry Hertz
Director, Baldrige National Quality Program
Posted by: Dr. Harry Hertz | November 6, 2008 10:44 AM