We had our end of the year event for the MLC last week and the outlook for 2011 is awesome.
Background:
The Michigan Lean Consortium (MLC) is a 501(c)(6) which translates to a not-for-profit organization that wants to help business get better at what they do.
It's vision is simple: "...to make Michigan one of the best places in the country to live, learn and earn.
Dr. Brian Jacobs from the Eli Broad College of Business at MSU was our guest speaker for this event.
Dr. Jacobs gave us a good overview of the curriculum for the Department of Supply Chain Management and what courses and philosophies were taught to the students. I won't go into too much detail because Dr. Jacobs and the student council that attended deserve their own blog post.
We practice what we preach so..what can we do to be better for 2011
Next was the brainstorming session to compile information from the members for the board to help them plan for 2011
5 pieces of large paper were posted in different sections. Each was numbered 1 thru 5 and given a title and each was moderated by a board member.
- Events
- Governance
- Geography
- Community Projects
- Fundraising
The attendees counted off 1 thru 5 and then went to the corresponding numbered sheet of paper. There were 5 members in my group of "4's" and we started at Fundraising. We brainstormed and wrote ideas up on the paper for 10 minutes and then everyone rotated to the next sheet.
I wanted to post how this was done because everyone had a chance to voice an opinion and the board members were at the gemba to hear directly from the members.
It also made sure that everyone interacted with a different group of people than those you were sitting with.
Networking
Directly after announcing the new board and doing a 2010 year in review we all adjourned to a networking event. I had the chance to meet and speak to many new people from a variety of different industries. The best part is they all have the same focus, to make Michigan better.
The following day the Board was planning an all day session for Hoshin planning for the 2011 year.
I've never been so confident about an organization. As a member I feel good about participating and truly feel that my voice is heard.
