Oneness of Heart

By Phil Thurman

Oneness of Heart isn't just the most effective operating mindset for any organization but a way of life. While organizations must always rethink strategies, adapt internal structures, and adjust traditional perspectives, the accelerating pace of global competition and technological advancements demand most focus on the central critical advantage

• Language: English
• Publisher: TotalRecall Publications, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781648830334

Phil Thurman

Philip P. Thurman is the Quality Assurance Director for Quality Manufacturing Services, Inc. with several decades of management, leadership, and quality assurance expertise. Extensive high technology manufacturing and corporate operations experience has granted unique insights necessary for corporate excellence. He received a BA in English from Stetson University and a MBA in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University. He lives with his family in Lake Mary, FL.

Book preview

Foreword

Establishing and sustaining a successful business is only as complicated as you make it. All the analysts and consultants in the world cannot offer any miraculous formula for creating and sustaining an organization of excellence. Each starts with a personal belief of value and a compulsion to share the benefit with others. If your belief is the highest possible amount of earned money returning to top leader or ownership regardless of how achieving the result, your vision is already blinded by personal superficial limitations. Profitability is essential but only represents the smallest fraction of so much more opportunity to experience. For organizations believing value is enriching all individuals or groups associated with the company including their purpose, financial, and spiritual satisfaction, these organizations share the three identifying fundamentals of Mutual Gratitude, Humble Integrity, and Disciplined Accountability. Recognizing mistakes, admitting mistakes, and making sure they never happen again binds each foundational principle. Recognition exists in a need for action when plans don’t go the way you want and building further progress when they do. While sustaining true value as defined by these three attributes, you must also constantly seek and reinforce them among one another’s basic personalities. Both the continuous learning organization and individual associate of Mutual Gratitude, Humble Integrity, and Disciplined Accountability are the same. By everyone’s existence around these performance conditions, a single unified force forms and sustains realization as Oneness of Heart.

Hundreds of combined experience years in both private and public companies stand behind these pages. The following lessons reflect practical knowledge gained among organizations consisting of two individuals to many thousands of associates. These manufacturers, service providers, non-profits, and other enterprises believe they offer something valuable to the world. Recommendations contained within this book are timeless. Regardless of size, structure, or maturity, the following fundamentals exist in those organizations consistently executing the maximum possible value return through elevating the potential of their people. Many of these identified truths were first recognized in the studies, writings, and analyses of J. Stewart Black, Jim Collins, Stephen Covey, William Edwards Deming, Peter Drucker, Robert Greenleaf, J.M. Juran, Robert S. Kaplan, J.P. Kotter, John D. Mayer, David S. Norton, Jerry Porras, Peter Salovey, Peter Senge, and too many more to list.

No superior representation of individual thought contributions demonstrate the transformation from theory to reality better than a mid-tier private electronics manufacturing company called Quality Manufacturing Services, Inc. The structural approach to this effort required significant consideration. Those principled areas explored in the second portion of the book are the same features, cultural characteristics, and ideals that have made Quality Manufacturing Services the success story known today. Attempting to blend these truths among the introductory biographical section producing a single comprehensive body would diminish the effect of both. In addition, combining both sections would inhibit the reader’s pace and linear flow. By keeping the biographical and principled sections apart, a smoother transition, logical progression, and more direct presentation results. This effort also attempts comprehensively covering each major component contributing to the Oneness of Heart concept yet not encumber the reader in lengthy over-analysis. Those gaining the most benefit from this book need key point information leaving their time more dedicated towards actual application. The most sincere hope is that these pages will see many dog-eared corners, this book’s spine will break in several sections, and random coffee cup rings will decorate the cover. Observations contained within these chapters should serve as constant page worn guiding references to readers negotiating the challenges of organizational development excellence or current change improvement.

During study and explanation, the following provides enough detail to adequately communicate both the traps to avoid and common sense to follow. However, nondisclosure agreements and other potential legal boundaries may not permit the use of actual names or places. Many thousands of individuals and companies interacting with Quality Manufacturing Services over the years have influenced some degree towards today’s realization of success. These observations understand a distinguishable difference between leadership and management. In a true continuous learning organization of Mutual Respect, Humble Integrity, and Disciplined Accountability, both terms are the same. However, in those companies struggling to keep their heads above water or slipping down a spiral of negative futility, some of the best leaders continue without recognition as candidates for management while unfortunately, ineffective teams maintain management with underdeveloped or unapplied leadership skills. A significant key to Quality Manufacturing Services success is current management not only possessing exceptional managerial skills but also gifted leadership.

Many cultural and social variations exist in a global perspective. Domestic expectations and norms may assume unique attributes when compared in the context of Europe, Asia, or the Middle East but this consideration primarily focuses on expectations of the West. The approach does not suggest criticism or other negative judgement as less than functional philosophical or political comparisons. Oneness of Heart focus only chooses identification of Western cultural and societal norms and their importance constituting a continuous learning organization. No disrespect is intended for different cultural standards. But this author’s inherent bias contends that capitalism through the American model presents the most favorable opportunities to achieve and sustain value for everyone associated with a business. While scholarly study and examination of what constitutes a successful company is important when attempting a startup or diagnosing why an organization doesn’t perform to full potential, theory and application do not always necessarily work together in neat equations. An actual company using those principles to achieve and sustain value as a template of organizational excellence offers an even more valuable investment of your time. This work does not pretend to be a comprehensive crash course in business operations management or market system economics. The following way of life content has and continues providing proven success. Companies contain as many various cultures as their operating personalities. No single blueprint for success exists nor do these pages pretend to promote one. Rather, apply what works for your organizing, strategizing, and sustaining until identifying your own uniqueness, cultivating your own culture, and defining what the value of success means to your organization.

There’s no denying that the light speed pace of technical acceleration, generational expectation gaps, time to market sensitivity, and instant gratification demand has increased at a blurring pace. Just when we believe idea exchanges cannot become any faster or more comprehensive, another technology appears. Artificial Intelligence sophistication, the Internet of Things, and other cutting-edge advancements are reshaping industry landscapes on a monthly if not hourly pace just as cellular phones, kitchen microwaves, and CD-ROMs were revolutionary just a short while ago. However, fundamentals still remain the same. Without deliberate consideration, perspective will rapidly diminish if associates do not make real life impact decisions at the right time. Do not get so caught up in the latest craze that foundational principles are distorted or lost. Use latest communication methods and other efficiency enhancements to strengthen foundational principles, not replace them. Do not allow the chase for value in technology or most recent fads substitute focus in what endures and always remains the ultimate unit of corporate value - the value of people.

Among the most significant tragedies are those companies with so much potential to become learning organizations of excellence but through collective ego sheltering, clinging to perceived safety nets, or simply not desiring to cultivate the continuous expansion of value, are comfortable to remain in complacent positions of the average. They listen and accept the commonplace because everyone else convinces them of this fictional destiny. The lack of vision and acceptance of being ordinary is nothing more than an injustice to their associates and the whole of society. No other invention ever conceived has brought greater good to human existence and civilization than a company never stopping to seek improvement of that society’s life. As an organizational leader, if you are already content to wallow in the mediocrity of your own limited self- interests, put this book down right now and continue your wasted efforts towards the insulated, unchanging, narcissistic benefit of yourself and not those around you. If you never settle for anything less than your own very best performance and expect the same from everyone else, keep reading. Keep seeking continuous learning of yourself and your company, maintain a course of lifelong improvement, and live the role of servant leadership. Persevere without end. Search for new ways of making everyone better around you so they may, in turn, with the use of their own unique talents, enhance the value in everyone around them.

Introduction

Are you just starting out with ideas in the back of your head but don’t know where to begin? Have you already taken the leap and committed resources but signs are appearing that you are losing direction or just treading water to stay afloat? Maybe you think you’re doing okay but still believe the possibility exists of a promise much larger and better than where you find yourself at the moment. Oneness of Heart begins in each of us. The understanding develops over a lifetime’s influence of family and friends. Whether a business, non-profit organization, charity, or just an assembly of individuals with the desire to make a difference, complete harmony of purpose towards a common goal gives definition to the most significant giving gesture we can realize. Oneness of Heart is not only all participants in an organization united towards bringing excellence to others but realizing there are no limitations to everyone’s potential. In business, the support and encouragement among associates focused on promoting this potential in themselves is the same Oneness of Heart excellence offered to customers and those in need.

The most profitable any organization can ever become is how much self-worth you enable your associates to recognize within themselves. Profitability naturally results from all associates identifying a single truth: the key to personal and organizational excellence is maximizing value in the existence of as many other lives as possible. Mutual Respect, Humble Gratitude, and Disciplined Accountability are inseparable and intertwined primary traits every Oneness of Heart organization associate must achieve and sustain. Nobody associated either within or outside of any organization can give or receive value if not considered with respect. Associates must also retain humility to understand that excellence stands as an existence demanding constant repetition of proof. No individual, decision, or circumstance is ever taken for granted. While everyone dedicates effort towards the common goal of improving everyone else’s value, the focus doesn’t excuse personal responsibility for less than best effort. A Oneness of Heart culture forms teams where individual interest becomes the same concern for all associates. Instead of blaming individuals, associates unite in evaluating and correcting the conditions contributing to problems while looking for ways to help and improve. Any problem is everyone’s problem and any success is the success of everyone.

By opposing contrast, Separation of Heart only defines value from an impact on individual power replacing the worth of others. All relationships are identified by price, not value. Little to no consideration is given to individual or personal growth. Rather than attempting to inspire and support all associates towards achieving their highest possible capabilities, value definition always exists according to egocentric command and authority. Bending or adjusting principles has no consequence since someone else is always to blame. Faults and excuses always begin from somewhere else. Not enough detail attention or control encourages this perspective. If no clear understanding exists of what each other needs or wants, the chance of customer knowledge awareness becomes just as vague. Knowledge stays in people’s heads from fear of their own individual power somehow becoming compromised or less necessary. Lack of respect, gratitude, or accountability results in power focus for individuals instead of value growth for the entire team. Customers ultimately recognize these same conditions in their products or service. Organizations may manage to last months or even years with this approach but are eventually either sold or consume themselves into nonexistence.

Once recognized and applied as every thought and action’s source, Oneness of Heart no longer requires conscious effort. Resulting benefits automatically generate an output of value for all those participating. Money or material wealth does not define value but clarity of purpose towards giving to others. Character is not rooted in the recognition of our own personal value but how well we can make others identify value in themselves - discovery regardless of what limitations others have attempted convincing them. Even though businesses just starting may have an easier time evolving into a Oneness of Heart organization than more mature, established companies, the following presents no concept requiring more than minimal effort with an exponential return. These principles result from extensive real world experience and not just conceptual academic theories. This author hopes that these realities encourage and mentor any entrepreneur or groups pursuing the realization of their dream. The insights offered will assist established businesses desperately trying to avoid collapse, untested individuals wondering where to start, or anyone striving towards continuous improvement learning in their own organization. Each detailed principle offers strategic awareness, sound foundational truth, and proven methods actualized in the success of Quality Manufacturing Services, Inc. Whether a manufacturing or service company, profit or nonprofit, enduring and universal explored standards remain applicable to establishing and sustaining an organization of excellence. It all begins with you.

Building a team operating with Oneness of Heart does not occur from luck or random people coming together. After the thorough understanding and application of existence for yourself, seek out others with a potential for development and achievement of the same realization. A deliberate forming effort is necessary through coaching and introspection. Oneness of Heart organizations understand that long-term internal and external partnerships sharing the same outlook requires hard work, patience, and time. They know establishing this culture recognizes no accelerators or short-cuts. The Separation of Heart company only knows instant gratification and what can be seen in the moment. The historical establishment of trust, good faith effort, value over price, attention to detail, and all other components of value do not fulfill their need for immediate return. Oneness of Heart tears away barriers of self-doubt, eliminates the craving for personal recognition, and abandons fear of judgement. March forward in confidence that the only significance of existence is enabling others to identify their own internal potential and bring the same realization to as many possible others. Once your associates recognize this quality as the team’s collective cultural basis, the same Oneness of Heart drive participation appears to those searching for the same conclusion.

The Oneness of Heart organization stays rooted in foundational establishment truths but also understands the need for planning adaptation to changing market conditions. Associates within the organization exist with ongoing awareness as a personal expectation. They must readjust and grow as individuals in order for the organization to do the same. If they are not seeking ways of continually improving themselves with your encouragement and support, neither will your business grow towards increasing customer value. Without grasping and applying needs for change, learning does not occur and without learning, improvement cannot happen. Devotion to these truths are a lifestyle at or away from work. Not only are customers the ultimate benefactors but also associates and those needing their support. Your outlook represents the symbolic example of generosity, encouragement, and positive attitude of integrity. No character authenticity will occur in others if not first evident in your own thoughts and actions. If the ideals are not within yourself, you will not find them in those chosen to surround you.

There are no perfect Oneness of Heart organizations nor are there any completely dysfunctional Separation of Heart companies. Instead, most businesses float somewhere in between each condition. Right now, you can most likely identify varying degrees of both in your current organization. However, the advantage remains to those businesses who at least recognize a difference exists, spend resources in a direction of continuous learning, and attempt following the Oneness of Heart path. Separation of Heart companies don’t even realize their dysfunctional existence isn’t necessary. If time invested in the following reading does anything for you, the hope is recognizing inspiration to change your surrounding conditions and if understanding and applying these principles, continue sustaining a culture of constant personal and corporate learning improvement. If success is defined as a dream becoming reality, this realization is a way of existence and expectation of personal and organizational excellence – excellence sourced from a single Oneness of Heart.

The Quality Manufacturing Services Story

A

single moment’s disappointment for one can become a lifetime of prosperity for others. An existence of constant learning instructed one man to realize that success is not defined by finances, power, or recognition but by identifying and applying opportunities to affect improvement in as many other lives as possible. Tom Fehnel was an effective vice president of marketing consistently outperforming sales forecasts and providing tremendous returns to his company’s financial position. The certainty of security even initiated thoughts towards eventual retirement and possible activities after his career’s conclusion. With dedication and courage forged during his upbringing on a small rural Pennsylvania farm and years committed to military service, Tom recognized a hard work ethic and devotion towards one’s best individual performance was the only known way of life. One Thursday, the company president requested Tom step outside of the office for a talk. The president explained that his father-in-law, the company owner, wanted to take the organization in a different direction with the hiring of a new president. This transition inevitably resulted in the president’s demotion to vice president of marketing. Friday, Tom cleaned out his office.

At the age of fifty-one, while confident in his competency and skill set, Tom confronted discomfort everyone has faced by fear of the sudden unknown. Tom was abruptly challenged with the daunting predicament of an uncertain future. Extensive thought and introspective reflection consumed him until discussing the event with his wife, Sandra, the following Sunday. With observation only possible from another who knows an individual’s heart and passions, she germinated a seed developing into the genesis of Quality Manufacturing Services. Sandra, with clear deliberation, asked the question "With all