Of National Quality

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Great things really can happen when management listens to workers. At the University of Wisconsin/Stout, that’s exactly what occurred in March. In recognition of its collaborative approach to leadership, the university won the prestigious 2001 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award — the first educational institution in the nation to win what is widely considered America’s highest honor for performance excellence.

And Local 383 (Council 24), which represents classified staff at the Stout campus, had a hand in getting the award. For the past six years, local members have been working closely with administration officials, faculty and students in developing a system of "shared governance." Through the Chancellor’s Advisory Council, such "stakeholders" as the workers have been conducting systematic processes for the design, implementation and review of academic programs and support services. That encourages a high level of communication leading to "best practices" that align campus priorities with the allocation of resources.

"When workers are invited to be part of decision making, and when decision makers actually listen to what they are told, any organization will work better," says Marty Beil, Council 24 executive director. "I hope that is the lesson others will draw from this great achievement."