What is Self managed power team?

Another type of team commonly being used in organizations is the self directed or self managed team. A self managed work team is a formal group of employees that operates without a manager and is responsible for a complete work process or segment that delivers a product or services to an external or internal customer. Nearly 70 per cent of the Fortune 1000 organizations have implemented self managed work teams. Typically this kind of team has control over its work pace, determines work assignments and when breaks are taken, and inspects its own work. Fully self managed work teams even select their own members and have the members evaluate each other’s performance. As a result, supervisory positions take on decreased importance and may even be eliminated.

How do Cross functional Teams operate?

A formal group of employees that operates without a manager and is responsible for a complete work process or segment that delivers a product or service to an external or internal customer.

The next type of team we will identify is the cross functional work team, which consists of employees from about the same hierarchical level but from different work areas in the organization. Workers are brought together to accomplish a particular task.

Many organizations have used cross functional teams for years. For example, Orissa was the first state in the Indian Union as well as the first region in south Asia to bring about reform in the electricity sector. Under the reform program, the former Orissa State Electricity Board was unbundled into generation, transmission (GRIDCO) an distribution (DISTCO) and the four distribution zones were privatized through the process of international competitive bidding. The change initiative entailed overcoming a lot of resistance from the employees. In order to overcome resistance to change, employee involvement initiatives in the form of suggestions schemes and cross functional teams were out into practice. However, the popularity of cross functional work teams exploded in the late 1980s. All the major automobile manufacturers including Toyota, DaimlerChrysler, Nissan, General Motors, Ford, Honda, and BMW have turned to this form of team in order to coordinate complex projects. For example, following its acquisition of Korea based DWCV, Tata Motors in India is planning to introduce cross functional teams in its medium truck segment, making it more internationally oriented. ONGC (Oil and natural Gas Commission) had taken the help of UK based consultants Gaffney Cline Associates. Over 200 cross functional teams had interacted with the Gaffney experts, which helped ONGC develop multi disciplinary mode of functioning where a team of people drawn form various disciplines such as exploration, drilling and production work towards a goal.

Cross functional teams is also an effective way to allow employees form diverse areas within an organization to exchange information, develop new ideas, solve problems, and coordinate complex tasks. But cross functional teams can be difficult to manage. The early stages of development (e.g. storming) are often time consuming as members learn to work with diversity and complexity. This difficulty with diversity however can be tuned into an advantage. For example, remember our discussion of group decision making. One of the tenets of that process was that groups provided more complete information and were more creative than individuals. The diversity of a work team can help identify creative or unique solutions. Furthermore, the lack of a common perspective caused by diversity usually means that team members will spend more time discussing relevant issues, which decreases the likelihood that a weak solution will be selected. However, keep in mind that the contribution that diversity makes to teams probably will decline over time. As team members become more familiar with one another, they form a more cohesive group, but the positive aspect of this decline in diversity is that a team bond it built. It takes time to build trust and team work.

more at http://www.citeman.com/9459-what-is-self-managed-power-team/#ixzz0nUBkeHd5

Parents wannabe

We've discovered the good news about 2 weeks ago, and it turns out that she has already carry a 3 weeks old baby in her womb.

It was shocking, great news and also makes me worried. Great that i will soon become a father. Worry that can i be a good one?

We're now in our 1st month, still 8 to go. Ups and downs were there, can't deny it. But the most important thing is to keep our child warm and safe until he/she is ready to see this world.

Today, i found this interesting Ten Commandments for Parents. It sure will remind us what to do in the upcoming our beloved son/daughter.
(taken from: Telling It Like It Is )

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make my bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely; don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little for such a short time-please take the time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift; please treasure me as my Creator intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, not just your praise to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my own mistakes. Then someday I will be prepared to make the kind of decisions life will require of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me to my brother or sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need a vacation from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please set a good example for me to follow in all the ways of life. I enjoy watching the things you do and want to do them just like you do.

reference: A Child’s Ten Commandments For Parents Posted on April 7, 2008, 5:00 am, by Lin

This is the moment...

I've waited for my wedding day. It should be simple, elegant, and memorable. Well at least, i want it that way.

We've been preparing this matrimony for the last 6 months. It sure not an easy way, since normally people prepare their wedding for 9 up to 12 months. But hey, it was not about the time you had, but how could you handle and prepare all the things fit and proper. And we did it. Though we have so many bumps along the road, but who cares, it was just memories now. Memories that will lasts forever, since we can face it all elegantly.

The next 3 days will or should be hectic along the way, but i don't want it ruining the last 6 months preparation we have pursue. It should be the toughest part of all the preparation, but I know we can get through it. What am i suppose to think that, i really hope that this moment is not just pass away like that. I am trying to enjoy every single moment of it, since it's only happen once in a lifetime. So, here i am, ready to face it all until the day is over, and the brand new one come.

What keeps me awake and strong is the imagination that i will have a partner in life, partner in 'crime', and partner to share all my trouble and problem. But it's not just that, i will have someone to share my happiness, and the most important thing is, i don't have to sleep alone! The imagination that we will do things together, start from shopping until solving issues and dealing with problems. It's not just me and you anymore, it's about us and we. Our family, our marriage, our life, our happiness, not mine and not yours.

Soon, it will begun. A new day, new hope, new life will soon begun. All i can do is pray, and asking God's grace to shower our life with strength and serenity, to face whatever will held in front. So that we can hail glory to the God, that we did it as His own will and to worship Him.

Wedding Vow

Saya memilihmu menjadi istriku.
Saya berjanji setia kepadamu,
dalam untung dan malang,
di waktu sehat maupun sakit.
Saya akan mencintai dan menghormatimu,
sepanjang hidupku.

ANAK KATAK DAN HUJAN

Ada kegundahan tersendiri yang dirasakan seekor anak katak ketika langit tiba-tiba gelap.
"Bu, apa kita akan binasa? Kenapa langit tiba-tiba gelap ? ucap anak katak sambil merangkul erat lengan induknya.
Sang ibu menyambut rangkulan itu dengan belaian lembut. "Anakku," ucap sang induk kemudian. "Itu bukan pertanda kebinasaan kita. Justru, itu tanda baik," jelas induk katak sambil terus membelai. Dan anak katak itu pun mulai tenang.

Namun, ketenangan itu tak berlangsung lama. Tiba-tiba angin bertiup kencang. Daun dan tangkai kering yang berserakan mulai berterbangan. Pepohonan meliuk-liuk dipermainkan angin. Lagi-lagi, suatu pemandangan menakutkan buat si anak katak kecil. "Ibu, itu apa lagi? Apa itu yang kita tunggu-tunggu ?" tanya si anak katak sambil bersembunyi di balik tubuh
induknya. "Anakkku, itu cuma angin," ucap sang induk tak terpengaruh keadaan. "Itu juga pertanda kalau yang kita tunggu pasti datang!" tambahnya begitu menyenangkan. Dan anak katak itu pun mulai tenang. Ia mulai menikmati tiupan angin kencang yang tampak menakutkan.

"BLAAARR !!!! Suara petir menyambar-nyambar. Kilatan cahaya putihpun kian menjadikan suasana begitu menakutkkan. Kali ini, si anak katak tak lagi bisa bilang apa-apa. Ia bukan saja merangkul dan sembunyi di balik tubuh induknya. Tapi juga gemetar. "Buuu, aku sangat takut. Takut sekali!" ucapnya sambil terus memejamkan mata. "Sabar, anakku ! Ucapnya sambil terus membelai. "Itu cuma petir. Itu tanda ketiga kalau yang kita tunggu tak lama lagi datang! keluarlah. Pandangi tanda-tanda yang tampak menakutkan itu. Bersyukurlah, karena hujan tak lama lagi datang." ungkap sang induk katak begitu tenang. Anak katak itu mulai keluar dari balik tubuh induknya. Ia mencoba mendongak, memandangi langit yang hitam, angin yang meliuk-liukkan dahan, dan sambaran petir yang begitu menyilaukan.

Tiba-tiba, ia berteriak kencang, "Ibu, hujan datang. Hujan datang!! Horreeee!"

Anugerah hidup kadang tampil melalui rute yang tidak diinginkan. Ia tidak datang diiringi dengan tiupan seruling merdu. Tidak diantar oleh dayang-dayang nan rupawan. Tidak disegarkan dengan wewangian harum. Saat itulah, tidak sedikit manusia yang akhirnya dipermainkan keadaan.

Persis sama anak katak yang takut cuma karena langit hitam, angin yang bertiup kencang, dan kilatan petir yang menyilaukan. Padahal, itulah sebenarnya tanda-tanda hujan. Benar apa yang diucapkan induk katak : jangan takut melangkah, jangan sembunyi dari kenyataan, sabar dan
hadapi. Karena hujan yang ditunggu akan datang.

Sesungguhnya setelah kesukaran itu ada kemudahan.

Dari warta Santo Matius Bintaro

Great Thoughts by Great Personalities

Buku Tabungan

Priya menikah dengan Hitesh.

Pada pesta pernikahan, ibu Priya memberinya sebuah buku tabungan. Di dalamnya berisi tabungan sejumlah Rs.1000 (Rp 246.000). Ibunya berkata, "Priya, terimalah buku tabungan ini. Gunakan sebagai buku catatan dari kehidupan pernikahanmu. Jika ada satu peristiwa bahagia atau yang bisa dikenang, masukkan sejumlah uang tabungan di dalamnya. Tulis kejadian yang kamu alami di baris catatan yang ada di sampingnya. Semakin besar kenangan terhadap peristiwa itu, masukkan uang tabungan yang lebih besar. Ibu sudah melakukan di awal pernikahanmu ini.Lakukan selanjutnya bersama Hitesh. Saat kamu melihat kembali tahun-tahun yang telah berlalu, kamu akan mengetahui betapa bahagianya kehidupan pernikahan yang kamu miliki."

Priya memberitahukan hal ini kepada Hitesh setelah pesta usai. Mereka berdua setuju bahwa ini adalah ide yang sangat bagus dan mereka tidak sabar menanti saatnya untuk memasukkan tambahan uang tabungan ke dalam buku itu. Ini yang mereka lakukan setelah beberapa waktu:

• 7 Februari : Rs 100 (Rp 24.600),ultah pertama untuk Hitesh setelah menikah
• 1 Maret : Rs 300 (Rp 73.800), gaji Priya naik
• 20 Maret : Rs 200 (Rp 49.200), berlibur ke Bali
• 15 April : Rs 2.000 (Rp 492.000), Priya hamil
• 1 Juni ; Rs 1,000 (Rp 246.000), Hitesh dipromosikan
• ... dst...
  

Akan tetapi setelah beberapa tahun berlalu, mereka mulai beradu pendapat dan bertengkar untuk hal-hal yang sepele. Mereka saling diam. Mereka menyesal telah menikahi orang yang paling buruk di dunia ...tidak ada lagi cinta... sesuatu yang sangat tipikal di masa ini.

Suatu hari Priya berkata pada ibunya, "Ibu, kami tidak bisa bertahan lagi. Kami setuju untuk bercerai. Saya tidak bisa membayangkan bagaimana saya telah memutuskan menikah dengan orang ini !"

Ibunya menjawab, "Baiklah, apa pun yang kamu ingin kerjakan kalau sudah tidak bisa bertahan. Tetapi sebelum kamu melangkah lebih jauh, tolong lakukan hal ini. Ingat buku tabungan yang ibu berikan saat pesta pernikahan kalian? Ambil semua uangnya dan belanjakan sampai habis. Kamu tidak bisa terus menyimpan catatan di buku tabungan itu untuk sebuah pernikahan yang buruk."

Priya berpikir bahwa itu benar. Jadi dia pergi ke bank, menunggu diantrian dan berencana menutup buku tabungan itu. Ketika menunggu, dia melihat catatan yang ada di buku tabungan di tangannya. Dia melihat, melihat, dan melihat. Kemudian ingatan akan semua kebahagiaan dan sukacita di masa-masa yang telah lewat muncul kembali di pikirannya. Air mata menggenang dan berurai di pipinya. Kemudian dia bergegas meninggalkan bank dan pulang. Ketika sampai di rumah, Priya memberikan buku tabungan itu pada Hitesh, dan memintanya untuk memasukkan sejumlah uang ke tabungan itu sebelum mereka bercerai.

Hari esoknya, Hitesh mengembalikan buku tabungan itu pada Priya. Dia menemukan tambahan tabungan sebesar Rs 5000 (Rp 1.230.000) dengan catatan di dalam buku tabungan: 'Ini adalah hari dimana saya menyadari betapa saya mencintaimu sepanjang tahun-tahun yang telah kita lewati. Betapa besar kebahagiaan telah kamu bawa untukku."

Mereka berdua berpelukan dan menangis, dan meletakkan buku tabungan itu kembali di tempat semula.

Anda tahu berapa uang yang terkumpul saat mereka pensiun? Saya tidak bertanya pada mereka. Saya percaya uang bukan masalah lagi setelah mereka berhasil melalui tahun-tahun yang indah di sepanjang kehidupan pernikahan mereka.

"Saat engkau jatuh, jangan melihat tempat di mana kamu jatuh, tetapi lihatlah tempat di mana kamu mulanya tergelincir."

"Hidup adalah memperbaiki kesalahan-kesalahan"

"Perkawinan ibarat sebuah perjalanan jauh mengarungi samudra dengan sebuah perahu kecil; jika penumpang yang satu mengguncangkan perahu, penumpang yang lain harus menjaga kestabilannya. Kalau tidak, mereka akan karam bersama-sama (David Reuber)"

"Memberi merupakan sari cinta, tahu menahan diri merupakan kebijaksanaan cinta dan perpaduan keduanya adalah cinta sejati"

"Satu hal yg membuat kita selalu merasa kekurangan adalah cinta. Dan satu hal yang tidak pernah cukup banyak kita berikan adalah cinta (H. Miller)"

"Kau bisa memberi tanpa mencintai, tapi kau tak bisa mencintai tanpa memberi (Amy Carmichael)"

"Mencintai bukanlah menemukan seseorang yang sempurna, tapi bagaimana belajar untuk melihat seseorang yang tidak sempurna dengan sesempurna mungkin"