Synopsis: Communication For Productivity Letters written to some 7500 Workers / Managers / Union Leaders, following a period of strike / Go slow / Murders (1979 - 1987), at Mumbai factory of Larsen & Toubro Ltd. This direct / open / honest communication led to a remarkable atmosphere of trust between Workers and Management, which, in turn, increased productivity at 3% per year (ave).

1 Jan 1980

To:

Dear Shop-Rep,

THE LAST LAP

Annual Sports day has come and gone.

Those of you who were present at the Parel Grounds on Saturday must have been thrilled by the running races

- the 400 meters

- the 800 meters

- the 1500 meters.

If the spectators were so excited, imagine the condition of the participants'. Many months of rigorous training and practice was being tested. And it was the last lap which decided who will win. But then in an individual event only one man can win.

Right now, we the employees at Powai are in the last lap of a Team Event in which we can all win - or all lose!

In our production race, fourth quarter of the year is our last lap (Jan-Feb-Mar). If we want to win (and I am sure we do), we must strain every muscle - every nerve; bring out the reserves of our energy.

You, my friends, have an important role to play in this Team Event because you are the Team Leader. You can ensure that all the members of the team pull together, equally and in the right direction. The Shop Foremen are the coaches. Consult them when in doubt. Hurdles must be overcome with determination.

You will decide whether we will win this 600 working-hour race. The last lap is on and the victory-stand is waiting.

In this race, there can be no spectators!!

H.C. PAREKH