Training was initiated in 1991 by plant director Tom Swiderski, who wanted to support leadership development and quality improvement. About a hundred employees completed the initial 40 hours of TQT training under the guidance of Lexington Community College faculty member Barbara White, an authorized TQT trainer-facilitator. The leadership teams completed six pilot projects, and James River supervisor of process and quality control Bob Sigman worked with other salaried employees to continue to deliver training to work groups. The plant's proactive response brought attention to its flexibility and resourcefulness, and soon James River corporate leaders were visiting the plant to see the PDSA cycle and storyboarding tools for themselves. One of the characteristics of the training, learning tools as they are needed, has been a notable approach.
Teams appreciate the information more and seem to retain it.
A lab was converted to a team room for teams to discuss progress on their projects. The training, Sigman says, has created an enhanced sense of teamwork. We support each other now as trainers and learners. When one doesn't feel comfortable with a topic, one of the other trainers helps out. We have had a great team experience as trainers.