Our quality has improved as has absenteeism. Our turnover is almost zero. Leaders are visible and approachable . It's always easier for a manager to leave his office than it is for the worker to leave his station. The employee will always be more comfortable making suggestions when he's on his own turf.
Many managers feel uncomfortable outside the protection of their offices and their secretaries.
A true leader is one that can operate in any environment because he is comfortable with himself and he truly wants input. Most of our manufacturing employees did not go to college. In fact, some did not finish high school. No matter what their education level, they have a real quest for knowledge. As a whole, they truly want to learn and do a better job.