Recommendations Monroe indicated that ISM does pay off with an interdisciplinary team effort, good communication, and preplanning. Commitment to the process is critical. Management at all levels must be involved. Does Not Fit All Randy Ogle emphasized that one size does not fit all in implementing feedback and improvement ISM models. Plans should be tailored to the circumstances.
Good communication is essential, and trust is an underlying basis for the process.
Managers should provide and encourage opportunities for communications to take place. Managers must also stay involved and ensure that the system is used to reflect everyone's input. Feedback is a two-way street involving DOE and program staff. Good methods include focusing on programs, informal audits, benchmarking metrics, and much contact with the research and development staff. The Workers' Perspective Joyce Sylvester discussed a commonality in feedback and improvement efforts of losing focus of the workers' perspective.