I sometimes wonder if herding cats would be easier than trying to implement best practices at the company level to a Team of independent, experienced and diverse employees. 

Despite the overwhelming odds and frequent disappointment, we persist.

And occasionally, succeed. 

It does not help that we often change our definition of best practices. 

Sometimes, what seems like a great idea in theory, is not practical in reality.

The "30 second engine shut down rule" comes to mind. 

Or that our best practices seem arbitrary and conflict with a workers previous experience. 

As in "When parking semi in field, always position truck perpendicular to road with front bumper at driveway."  

And then there is the fact that learned behaviors resist change.  

Who could argue its best to sort garbage into recyclable, burnable, and landfill categories?

Yet Alex's weekly inspection lists include aluminum cans (recycle ) and glass (landfill) in the incinerator while I regularly find dirty paper towels (burnable) in the landfill barrell. 

Nonethess, we are seeing evidence of progress.  

For the first time in a year, our wash bay passed two bio security audits in a row.  I am confident we will pass the next one as well. 

This outcome required multiple training sessions, bi lingual signage in wash bay, weekly follow up inspections from supervisor, and weekend lock out device to prevent after hours usage. 

In my opinion, the most impactful best practice that is finally becoming a habit is the bi weekly "Safety, feed back, and current priority meeting" with the Team. 

Regularly aligning and focusing the Teams efforts has improved compliance with procedures. This results in less waste, more output, and a safer work environment.  

It has also confirmed my belief that with clear and consistent messaging to the Team while holding leadership accountable for setting a good example, habits can evolve for the better.

Jim