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For Immediate Release
Surface Force TYCOMS Launch Pilot Project to Measure Alignment
Story Number: NNS020208-07
2/8/2002
By Naval Surface Force Pacific Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS)—The Surface Force has launched a pilot project
designed to measure alignment in its Pacific and Atlantic Fleet
surface type commands.
The project, endorsed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern
Clark, will measure how effectively the various parts of both
commands are working together to deliver combat ready ships to
the Navy. Once the project has been completed, it's possible this
measuring system will be adopted throughout the Navy.
Alignment, a "Top 5" priority of Adm. Clark's since he became
the CNO eighteen months ago, is when the systems, processes and
people within a large organization work together seamlessly to
accomplish that organization's primary mission.
"It's critical to mission accomplishment," said Clark. "If our
fleets, staffs and various systems are in alignment, we can more
effectively accomplish our primary mission, and that's victory
in combat."
Unlike other variables that contribute to combat readiness, alignment
is difficult to measure. So the Navy has enlisted the help of
Dr. George Labovitz, one of the country's leading management experts.
His company, Organizational Dynamics, specializes in helping large
Fortune 100 companies align their priorities and processes with
their primary mission.
"What the Navy is doing here," said Dr. Labovitz, "is taking
advantage of innovative, leading-edge
management tools... tools being used by some of the top companies
in civilian industry... and seeing if they can be helpful in the
business of combat readiness."
Using a specially designed Web-based alignment measurement and
tracking system, results of a questionnaire—completed anonymously
by every individual at both SURFPAC and SURFLANT—will show
where the two type commands are strong and where they need to
improve.
The 130 questions focus on a wide range of areas. They zero-in
on typical type command (TYCOM) issues such as manning, training,
requirements and maintenance, as well as broader issues related
to leadership, communication and command climate.
"It's not a customer satisfaction survey," said Labovitz. "It's
really a series of normative statements that define the way an
organization should be run."
The data derived from the questionnaire is instantly tabulated
and presented in a number of easy-to-use graphics and charts.
"What is so positive about this system, and project as a whole,
is that it takes advantage of the ideas and inputs of individuals
throughout the chain of command to identify gaps in alignment
and pockets in our organization that need help," said Vice Adm.
Timothy LaFleur, commander, Naval Surface Force.
"The end result is specific information on where alignment can
be improved within our commands to help us do a better job of
fulfilling our mission of delivering combat ready ships to the
fleet."
More ODI's Alignment Management System
To learn more about the CNO's "Top 5" priorities go to the CNO
Website.
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