DuPont Wire & Cable: A Star Trek Awards Ceremony
(As the lights go out, a star slide is projected onto the closed curtain,
making it appear that we are in "deep space." The "Off-stage Announcer"
begins the introduction, which is accompanied by Star Trek-style background
music.)
(Off-stage Announcer)
Business success. The ultimate goal. These are the voyages of the PPD Business Enterprise and one of its flagships--Starship Wire and Cable. Our continuing mission: to be a positive contributor to the Company's Vision 2000 goal of revenues of $7 billion, after tax operating income of $1 billion, 15% cash return on investment and 14.3% after tax margin. To boldly go where no polymer producer has gone before!
(Curtain opens and stage is lit. Captain Kenworthy sits in a "command chair" stage center. Directly behind him is the "ship's screen," our slide screen. First Officer Mr. Maynard is on stage left at "ship's sensors"--a PC. After a few seconds, Captain Kenworthy presses a button on the command console in the arm of his chair and begins:)
(Kenworthy:)
Captain's Log Stardate (today's date). Captain Robert O. Kenworthy reporting. Under orders of Commander Pappas, Starship Wire and Cable will host Mr. Schlock, First Officer of a wire and cable vessel from another galaxy. Several weeks ago, Schlock's sensors intercepted our ship's recognition and award data. Reportedly, they were so impressed with our accomplishments that they made a special request to our command, which led to today's orders: "allow Mr. Schlock to observe and learn some of the ways a quality organization moves forward to meet its goals." We eagerly await his arrival. Kenworthy out.
Mr. Maynard, when will....
(Lights start blinking, very dramatic electronic noises (like transporter beams) are heard. Lights go off briefly. When lights go back on, Mr. Schlock is standing far stage right. His shirt is on backwards, one sleeve much longer than the other. In short, he looks a mess. He's also constantly tripping and dropping things. He is carrying a clipboard, on which he takes constant notes.)
(Maynard:)
Boy, this new FAX machine is great! How did we ever get along without it?
(Schlock:)
Mr. Schlock requesting permission to come aboard, Captain.
(Kenworthy and Maynard rise to greet their guest.)
(Kenworthy:)
Granted. Welcome aboard, Mr. Schlock. The Starship Wire and Cable is at your disposal.
(Schlock takes an offered chair stage right as they all return to their seats. He falls several times as he tries to sit down. Once seated, he starts tapping a pen nervously as he begins talking. At some point, it slips out of his hand and flies across the stage. Note: MOUSAMONT is a play on the name of Du Pont's main competitor in this market.)
(Schlock:)
Captain, we at MOUSAMONT are being trounced by our competitors in another galaxy. That is why I requested that I be allowed to attend your awards and recognition ceremony. Perhaps by doing so, I can learn some of the things that are helping you meet your ambitious competitive goals.
(Kenworthy:)
Certainly, Mr. Schlock. The first thing you should know is that we strive to operate in complete conformance to our set of principles.
(Schlock:)
Principals? You mean those guys who used to always chase me through the halls at school?
(Maynard:)
(Aside) I don't doubt it.
(Kenworthy:)
No, no. I mean principles--a list of things that we believe in.
(Schlock:)
(Scribbling furiously) Oh, I see. Can you give me an example of one of these "principles."
(Kenworthy:)
Certainly. Let's see. Okay, here's one of the ones that I find most important--the people principle.
(Slide:)
People--our most valuable resource
(Kenworthy:)
We've got a lot of good people in this organization, and we're committed to creating an environment where each one of us can contribute to the very limits of our abilities. Furthermore, we're committed to putting the right person in the right assignment.
(Schlock:)
I know what you mean--we've got this guy, Crewman Expendable we call him, he's like the geology officer or something. Whenever there's trouble, we send him. And get this--we always paint a big red target on his back and make sure his phaser malfunctions. It's always good for a laugh!
(Kenworthy:)
(Furious) No No No. No one is expendable on my ship, mister. Every person here was specifically hired, handpicked to do an important task. We respect everyone.
(Schlock:)
Oh. I see, What a novel idea. Well, what's another principle?
(Kenworthy:)
There's our market principle, part of which reminds us that...
(Slide:)
We will be market driven!
(Kenworthy:)
...we must constantly work to meet customer needs and demands. What they want. Not what we think they want. And that means working in partnerships with our customers. Why, recent programs begun with companies like Thermatex, Belden and Cablec, to name a few, should take us a long way toward reaching our goals. Tell me, Mr. Schlock, how do you deal with your customers?
(Schlock:)
Well, we usually just sell them stuff, and then change our phone number. (Scribbling) Let me make sure I'm getting all this. Okay. Another principle?
(Kenworthy:)
Well, our awards and recognition ceremony is about to start. I think that if you listen closely, you'll learn a lot that you need to know. After all, the people we're honoring this afternoon are among the best at what they do.
(Maynard:)
Captain, sensors indicate that we can expect high temperature at any moment.
(Schlock:)
High temperature? In January?
(Kenworthy:)
No, no, no. The High Temperature Group. They're the part of our team, the group that provides polymers to customers who need products that can stand up to hot, abrasive conditions. Some representatives of that team are coming on board to announce the first set of awards.
(Lights go out. Dramatic electronic noises. When lights come back on, Bailey, Gierke and Pembleton are on stage. One at a time, they move to stage center, and announce their awards. A picture of each recipient is flashed on the ship's screen as they do so. When all are finished, they are FAXed offstage )
(Schlock:)
Boy, Captain, it seems like that high temperature group is one hot team.
(Kenworthy:)
They sure are, Mr. Schlock, they sure are. The next group to be recognized is a hot team also, although their name may not suggest it.
(Maynard:)
Preparing to FAX aboard low temperature group, Captain.
(Kenworthy:)
Proceed, Mr. Maynard. (Turning back to Schlock) High temperature, low temperature and our other quality teams are being honored today for helping us in our Mission...
(Schlock:)
Oh, oh. I heard about your mission. "To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to...."
(Kenworthy:)
No, no, you're thinking of that TV show. Our Mission includes providing products and services aimed broadly at electrical power and signal functions, helping the Company and the Polymer Products Department meet their long and short term financial goals, as well as meeting our own. For example, our goal for the coming fiscal year is to achieve a 12% ATM on a minimum of $400 million in revenues.
(Maynard:)
Low temperature group coming on board, sir.
(Kenworthy;)
And here are some more of the people who are going to help us do it.
(Same FAX effects. Earnest, Wilson and Jones present their awards, accompanied by slides of each recipient. When all are finished, they step back and are FAXed offstage.)
(Schlock:)
(Scribbling, scribbling) You know, I'm seeing a trend here, Captain. Although you're recognizing people individually, most of them seem to have had their best successes as parts of teams.
(Kenworthy:)
That's very astute of you, very astute. Actually, I can't believe you said it. But that's very true. As a matter of fact, you've touched upon part of another principle.
(Slide:)
Teams: essential to our success
(Kenworthy:)
Wire and Cable teams are essential groups composed of people handpicked for their respective abilities working together toward a common goal. They operate with mutual support and respect, and require each member to contribute 100% in order to fulfill their objective. Do your people work well together, Mr. Schlock?
(Schlock:)
Work well together? I don't think we've spoken to each other in months! We're all just too busy.
(Kenworthy:)
Too busy doing what? If you're not talking, how do you know what needs to be done? Communication is vital to success. In any endeavor. As a matter of fact, that's another principle.
(Slide:)
Communication guides our activities.
(Kenworthy:)
It is everybody's responsibility to communicate fully and clearly so that others get the timely information they need to perform their jobs efficiently.
(Schlock:)
(Scribbling) Well, I see. Tell me Captain, are there are more awards to be presented this evening?
(Kenworthy:)
Yes, there are representatives of some other high quality teams preparing to FAX on board. Oh, and First Officer Maynard and I have some special awards to announce as well. Mr. Maynard...
(Maynard:)
Captain, three FAXing in now.
(Lights out, dramatic electronic noises. When lights come back on, Lacter, Holmes and Perry are standing far stage right. They present their awards, accompanied by slides of winners. Maynard rises, walks to center stage, and gives his presentation, then Kenworthy. When he is finished, the three FAX out as Maynard and Kenworthy return to their seats.)
(Schlock:)
(Scribbling furiously) Captain, thank you for all your insights, and congratulations on being part of such an efficient, high-quality organization. With this information in hand, MOUSAMONT will rule the galaxy! Now, Captain, I must return to my vessel.
(Kenworthy:)
Goodbye, Mr. Schlock. And good luck to you.
(Schlock walks to far stage right)
(Maynard:)
FAX on!
(Lights go off, dramatic electronic noises. When lights go back on, Schlock is gone, but his clipboard remains.)
(Maynard:)
(Picking up clipboard) Looks like he forgot something. I'll FAX it to him right away.
(Kenworthy:)
Go ahead, Mr. Maynard, but I don't think it will do him any good.
(Maynard:)
Why do you say that, Captain?
(Kenworthy:)
Because the keys to success lie in here and and in here(points to head and chest respectively), not in here (points to clipboard.) You have to live them every day, and quite frankly, Mr. Maynard, I don't think Mr. Schlock has what it takes.
(Division Director Pappas enters.)
(Pappas:)
But you certainly do!
(Kenworthy:)
Commander Pappas!
(Pappas:)
Bob, I just want to offer my hearty congratulations to all those recognized this afternoon, and to the entire Wire and Cable organization! Good job, people. We're counting on the talents of each one of you to help ensure that PPD will be a major factor in helping the Company reach its Vision 2000.
(Kenworthy:)
Thank you Commander. We will continue to do our best.
(Rumbling sounds, as if the ship is under attack. Maynard quickly refers to his PC.)
(Maynard:)
Captain, sensors indicate a large, unidentified object dead ahead!
(Kenworthy:)
My goodness, Mr. Maynard, what can it be?
(Maynard:)
Sensors indicate........
(Kenworthy:)
Yes, Mr. Maynard, yes?
(Maynard:)
Sensors indicate that it's...dinner, Captain.
(Slide:)
Let's go eat!
(Curtain falls, accompanied by Star Trek-style music.)
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