The Goal- Three Important Aspects

I did not know what to expect when I began reading this novel about a manufacturing plant. However, after reading it I am very glad that it was part of the course. It was interesting to see some of the concepts mentioned in the novel were also covered in the textbook. It gave the novel a sense of creditability. Dr. Goldratt does a wonderful job in transforming Industrial Engineering jargon into something anyone can sit down and read. The Goal follows Alex Rogo and his quest to save his plant and his marriage in the process. There are three aspects of the novel I found to be very compelling. The first was how invested Alex was to his job and town. The second was how Alex was able to solve many of plant’s issues through collaboration and teamwork. The third was how Dr. Goldratt used Jonah to teach Alex and not merely give him answers to his questions. I believe that all three of these aspects will help me in the future as I enter the professional world. The novel begins on very dire circumstances; Bill Peach has threatened to close the plant in three months if Alex is unable to turn it around. The plant has been hemorrhaging money and is unable to ship out orders on time. No matter how hard they try the orders never can be shipped on time. Alex has a very hard time understanding why this is in so far as he “thinks” gremlins might be at it. In the beginning Alex is very unsure of himself and is constantly doubting his abilities. He knows he’s smart and the plant has many competent people and good technology, but still, something is missing. Through all this self-doubt and the plant being in bad shape Alex somehow manages to muster enough strength to not give up. After remembering the conversation he had with Jonah and subsequently talking to him, Alex finds the courage he needs to go the distance. He says he will not quit until the plant has closed. I found this to be very inspiring for two reasons. First, in order to succeed at something ones needs that drive to keep going no matter how difficult the situation. The constant self-doubt does no good in the long run. Second, Alex’s willingness to contact Jonah in the first place shows initiative. Whereas others may have been reluctant to purse after the third phone call, Alex continued well into the night. This showed Alex really cared about the plant and his job. I think this was an important lesson for me because I learned that putting effort in the present will payoff in the future. As Malcolm Gladwell pointed out in his book, Outliers, people seldom reach the top without help from others. This is no different in the case for Alex. When Alex finally figures out the goal of the plant is to make money he enlists the help of Lou, the accountant. As the book progresses Alex needs to work with Bob, Stacey, Ralph, and Lou. These are the four people that help Alex in turning around the plant. Alex highlights the fact to them about the plant being on the chopping block, but they stick with him nevertheless. Bob the production manger is constantly running around the plant to make sure everything is meeting the standards of Alex. Though it is his job, Alex pointed out in the beginning that Bob is a very dependable man and that if he told to do a task, it was guaranteed to be finished on time. Stacey is the person who oversees the inventory. She is very supportive of Alex and is very good at her job. When Jonah is at the plant or on the phone, she is a very active participant. Ralph is the tech specialist who helps with the various programming needed in the plant. He finds a way to predict when the orders will be shipped and when the bottlenecks will need parts from the non-bottlenecks. Lou is the accountant and is the one who helps Alex come up with the three measurements used to assess the plant, ROI, NI, and cash flow. With a combination of these people Alex is able to fix the ailing plant. It shows how important it is to surround yourself with people who are just as invested as you are. Lou did not have to stay, he could have retired early and leave the failing plant behind him. Instead he chooses to help Alex and the plant. This shows the importance of working with others, even if they disagree at first. I liked how Jonah never spelled out the answers for Alex. He made him think and come up with his own solutions. After doing some research I found this is called the Socratic method. Instead of just giving him the answers, Jonah had discussion with Alex about the plants problems. Jonah even encouraged him to discuss the issues with the other people in the plant. I think this is very important because it gives a person a chance to work out the answer himself or herself and feel good about it. In the long run any problems faced in the future will not feel so daunting. Alex will have had a way to figure out what the problem is and the various ways in which he can approach it. I found it to be annoying at first when Jonah would lead Alex on and not answers Alex’s question outright. However, the further I read the more I appreciated Jonah’s tactic. It gave me a chance to self-reflect and ask myself if sometimes I am too quick to ask for help when faced with a problem. Instead of seeking the answer, I should ponder the thought process in coming to the solution. After reading the Goal, I have realized the importance of diligence, working with good people, and working through difficult problems without seeking answers first. I think these three aspects will help me in my professional carrier in the future. Like Alex, if I am faced with any serious problems I will be sure to incorporate these aspects. I am very grateful that I had a chance to read such an important novel.