—–Original Message—–
From: Patterson,Neal
To: DL_ALL_MANAGERS;
Subject: MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVE: Week #10_01: Fix it or changes will be made
Importance: High
Date: Jan -02 -2010
To the KC_based managers:
I have gone over the top. I have been making this point for over one year.
We are getting less than 40 hours of work from a large number of our KC-based EMPLOYEES.
The parking lot is sparsely used at 8AM; likewise at 5PM. As managers — you either do not
know what your EMPLOYEES are doing; or YOU do not CARE. You have created expectations
on the work effort which allowed this to happen inside Cerner, creating a very unhealthy
environment. In either case, you have a problem and you will fix it or I will replace you.
NEVER in my career have I allowed a team which worked for me to think they had a 40 hour
job. I have allowed YOU to create a culture which is permitting this. NO LONGER.
At the end of next week, I am plan to implement the following:
-
Closing of Associate Center to EMPLOYEES from 7:30AM to 6:30PM.
-
Implementing a hiring freeze for all KC based positions. It will require Cabinet approval to
hire someone into a KC based team. I chair our Cabinet.
- Implementing a time clock system, requiring EMPLOYEES to 'punch in' and 'punch out' to
work. Any unapproved absences will be charged to the EMPLOYEES vacation.
- We passed a Stock Purchase Program, allowing for the EMPLOYEE to purchase Cerner
stock at a 15% discount, at Friday's BOD meeting. Hell will freeze over before this CEO
implements ANOTHER EMPLOYEE benefit in this Culture.
-
Implement a 5% reduction of staff in KC.
-
I am tabling the promotions until I am convinced that the ones being promoted are the solution, not the problem. If you are the problem, pack you bags.
I think this parental type action SUCKS. However, what you are doing, as managers, with this
company makes me SICK. It makes sick to have to write this directive.
I know I am painting with a broad brush and the majority of the KC based associates are hard
working, committed to Cerner success and committed to transforming health care. I know the
parking lot is not agreat measurement for 'effort'. I know that 'results' is what counts, not 'effort'.
But I am through with the debate.
We have a big vision. It will require a big effort. Too many in KC are not making the effort.
I want to hear from you. If you think I am wrong with any of this, please state your case. If you
have some ideas on how to fix this problem, let me hear those. I am very curious how you think
we got here.
If you know team members who are the problem, let me know. Please include (copy) Kynda in
all of your replies.
I STRONGLY suggest that you call some 7AM, 6PM and Saturday AM team meetings with the
EMPLOYEES who work directly for you. Discuss this serious issue with your team. I suggest
that you call your first meeting — tonight. Something is going to change.
I am giving you two weeks to fix this. My measurement will be the parking lot: it should be
substantially full at 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM. The pizza man should show up at 7:30 PM to feed
the starving teams working late. The lot should be half full on Saturday mornings. We have a lot
of work to do. If you do not have enough to keep your teams busy, let me know immediately.
Folks this is a management problem, not an EMPLOYEE problem. Congratulations, you are
management. You have the responsibility for our EMPLOYEES. I will hold you accountable.
You have allowed this to get to this state. You have two weeks. Tick, tock.
Neal Patterson
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Cerner Corporation www.cerner.com
2800 Rockcreek Parkway; Kansas City, Missouri 64117
City, Missouri 64117
“We Make Health Care Smarter