A number of articles were critical of the Little League World Series. I loved
watching it. The twelve-year-old boys were incredibly talented. Sure, there were
errors and disappointments when plays weren’t made or a batter struck out.
More often than not, however, these kids would pick themselves up, brush themselves
off and get right back at it. I also admired the coaching abilities of some of
the coaches.
The head coach from Texas was positive. He would tell the players that they were
doing well, even when they were down 10-4 against New England. During their last
at bat, he encouraged the players. He remained positive, and the kids produced.
They tied the game, and it ended up in extra innings, with Texas scoring three
more runs in the seventh.
These games were played on a level playing field. Finishers do not have a level
playing field. It seems that when China is up to bat, the bases and outfield fence
are moved in 10-20 feet. What can finishers do?
One move is to talk to your representatives in the United States Congress. Another
is to talk to your state representatives. Making them aware of the situation may
bring a change in the rules. What do you do, while the rules are changing (or
stalled in committee)? Another option is to work on self-improvement and innovation—finding another way to compete.
One such company is Roy Metal Finishing in Conestee, South Carolina. The company
provides all types of zinc plating. The parts plated included fasteners, automotive
pieces and other small parts. Much of the type of work Roy does is heading to
China. Roy developed a way to keep the playing field more level by improving itself.
John Pazdan, vice president, and Cliff Roy, president, reviewed the practices
of Roy’s best customers. What had they done to become and remain successful?
John and Cliff implemented these practices (automation, strict quality control
and superior customer service) along with new equipment to keep the company competitive.
Automation provided flexibility. Quality control is managed using an extensive
computer documentation system for every part and plating process, including real-time
documentation that customers can access to find out where parts are in the process
sequence. Roy also e-mails certain laboratory results directly to its customers.
You can read about Roy Metal Finishing in this month’s article, “Gearing
Up for Automotive Finishing.”
What Roy Metal has done is what many in the finishing industry will have to do
in order to level the playing field. Finishers cannot wait for the government
to do something because of the amount of time involved in passing legislation.
Finishers have to do something now. Companies, such as Roy Metal Finishing, can
be viewed as the positive coach when in a losing situation. They are a reinforcement
to the industry, showing what can be done to even out the playing field until
the rules are changed.
