Implementing the Japanese philosophy into America’s passion

Everyone knows of Toyota. If you are one of those satisfied owners, you are part of the reason that Toyota is giving the leading American automobile manufacturers a run for its money in our own backyard. Toyota is founded on the Japanese philosophy of “a change for the better”, (kaizen). This has been adopted in the West with the management style of Plan, Do, Check and Action.

Plan- what is wrong is identified and solutions for this problem are introduced. For example:
Problem- “Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) are not being used or going to classes when they are at their schools.”
Find out why they are not being used or going to class. Some of the reasons could be:

"Classes are not in session and teachers don’t take the time to make lesson plans with the ALT or flat out do not want to use them."

Solution/Suggestion- Send ALTs to schools when they are needed. Identify those Japanese teachers who do not make lesson plans that include the ALT or simply do not use them.

Do- Address the issue that schedules are needed for when classes are in session and Japanese teachers must use and make lesson plans that include the ALT. Enforce this for a month/term and have the ALT submit feedback in writing on his/her usage.

Check- Have revised schedules been received for when classes are in session? Are lesson plans including ALTs? Are Japanese teachers using ALTs? Once all of these can be answered “Yes”,

Action- Implement on a large scale. In this situation, this would be done on a yearly basis.

Now, how can all of this be implemented into football? Take the four steps and break it down by the four quarters that make up the game by using the component, “Finding full-time employment”.

Time period, 1st quarter- July 25th thru October 25th
Step 1- Plan
It is assumed that your resume is already written up, and has been distributed to the local and industry specific employment sources and posted on the internet. Just like the game is played, practice make perfect and the more you interview, the better you will get in finding full-time employment.

Time period, 2nd quarter- October 26th thru January 25th
Step 2- Do

It is assumed that you have already interviewed enough that you have already found a job. But, there is the issue of probation which is the courting period that you and the employer take the time to get to know each other better.


Time period, 3rd quarter- January 26th thru April 25th
Step 3- Check

While probation is still going on, look around and see how your peers are doing. Are they happy? Are they meeting their goals weather it is starting a family, advancing their education or buying a home? If not, find out why. Also, how long have they been in their position? If you stay in the same place too long, you are moving backwards. Also, how much money is left over when your next paycheck comes in? Are you able to do 401K or an IRA or some other savings plan? Are your personal goals being hindered because of your job (lack of money, time off or being around like-minded people)?

Time period, 4th quarter- April 26th thru July 25th
Step 4- Action

It is assumed that you passed probation and that your goals and objective are in progress and that you are not being hindered. If this is not the case, it is time to go back to the drawing board and return to step 1 and move forward from there.


The Divine Wind Vault http://divinewindvault.blogspot.com (C)2006-11