Excelling with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award: A Case Study of MESA 2020, Oklahoma

Overview of MESA

MESA, or Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association, is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to manufacturers seeking to improve their operations and increase competitiveness. Their mission is to enable manufacturers to achieve operational excellence through the use of technology and best practices.

MESA's values are centered around collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. They believe in working together to solve complex problems and drive progress in the manufacturing industry. MESA's key achievements include developing industry standards for data exchange, promoting the adoption of new technologies, and providing education and training to manufacturers worldwide.

MESA's Approach to Performance Excellence

MESA's approach to performance excellence is based on the Baldrige Criteria, which emphasizes a systems perspective and continuous improvement. MESA implemented several strategies and practices to achieve their goals, including a focus on customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and innovation.

One key strategy that MESA used was to establish a culture of quality throughout the organization. This involved training employees at all levels on the importance of quality and providing them with the tools and resources they needed to improve processes and eliminate waste. MESA also implemented a robust feedback system that allowed them to gather data from customers, employees, and other stakeholders, which they used to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

Lessons Learned from MESA's Journey

MESA's journey towards performance excellence was not without its challenges. One of the key obstacles that MESA faced was resistance to change. Many employees were comfortable with the status quo and were hesitant to embrace new processes and practices. To overcome this, MESA implemented a comprehensive change management plan that included training, communication, and incentives for employees who embraced the new approach.

Another challenge that MESA faced was balancing short-term and long-term goals. It can be tempting to focus solely on immediate results, but MESA recognized the importance of investing in long-term success. To achieve this balance, MESA developed a strategic plan that aligned short-term actions with long-term objectives. By doing so, they were able to achieve sustainable growth and success.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, the Baldrige Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates performance excellence in U.S. organizations across various sectors. MESA, the 2020 winner of the award, showcased outstanding achievements in their mission, values, and approach to performance excellence.

By applying the Baldrige Criteria, organizations can learn from MESA's journey towards success and strive for their own performance excellence. It is crucial to continuously improve and innovate in order to meet the changing needs of stakeholders and achieve sustainable growth.