The Just Don't Get It!

Meanwhile, pressure was mounting. Customers were angry. Competitors were waiting in the wings with lower prices and promises of better service and delivery. Leaders at the highest level demanded answers: why wasn't the plant delivering? The call came: "Come to headquarters. The Executive Vice President wants to meet." I walked into the boardroom, and I wasn't the only site leader on the firing line. One by one, my peers stood at the front of the room, delivering their presentations to the SVP. Each time, the pattern repeated: tough questions, sharp criticism, and no mercy. One by one, charts were dismissed, assumptions shredded, excuses cut off mid-sentence. I sat and watched anxiously as my colleagues were eviscerated, fully aware that my turn was coming next. But my presentation was cut short with one question: "Why can't you run your machines 30% faster?" It sounded like he didn't get it.

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