The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Read Online Free

him.

"I’ll have to check,’’ he says. "But, see, the problem is that the machine itself is down and it may stay down for some time.’’

"Which one is it?’’ I ask.

"The NCX-10,’’ he says.

I shut my eyes. It’s like a cold hand just reached inside me and grabbed the bottom of my stomach. That machine is the only one of its type in the plant. I ask Bob how bad the damage is. He says, "I don’t know. They’ve got the thing half torn apart out there. We’re on the phone with the manufacturer right now.’’

I start walking fast. I want to see it for myself. God, are we in trouble. I glance over at Bob, who is keeping pace with me.

"Do you think it was sabotage?’’ I ask.

Bob seems surprised. "Well, I can’t say. I think the guy was just so upset he couldn’t think straight. So he screwed it up.’’

I can feel my face getting hot. The cold hand is gone. Now I’m so pissed off at Bill Peach that I’m fantasizing about calling him on the phone and screaming in his ear. It’s his fault! And in my head I see him. I see him behind my desk and hear him telling me how he’s going to show me how to get the orders out the door. Right, Bill. You really showed me how to do it.

2

    Isn’t it strange to feel your own world is falling apart while those of the people close to you are rock steady? And you can’t figure out why they’re not affected the way you are. About 6:30, I slip away from the plant to run home and grab some dinner. As I come through the door, Julie looks up from the television.

"Hi,’’ she says. "Like my hair?’’
    She turns her head. The thick, straight brown hair she used to have is now a mass of frizzed ringlets. And it isn’t all the same color anymore. It’s lighter in places.
    "Yeah, looks great,’’ I say automatically.

"The hairdresser said it sets off my eyes,’’ she says, batting her long lashes at me. She has big, pretty blue eyes; they don’t need to be "set off’’ in my opinion, but what do I know?

"Nice,’’ I say.

"Gee, you’re not very enthusiastic,’’ she says.

"Sorry, but I’ve had a rough day.’’

"Ah, poor baby,’’ she says. "But I’ve got a great idea! We’ll go out to dinner and you can forget all about it.’’

I shake my head. "I can’t. I’ve got to eat something fast and get back to the plant.’’

She stands up and puts her hands on her hips. I notice she’s wearing a new outfit.

"Well you’re a lot of fun!’’ she says. "And after I got rid of the kids, too.’’

"Julie, I’ve got a crisis on my hands. One of my most expensive machines went down this morning, and I need it to process a part for a rush order. I’ve got to stay on top of this one,’’ I tell her.

"Okay. Fine. There is nothing to eat, because I thought we were going out,’’ she says. "Last night, you said we were going out.’’

Then I remember. She’s right. It was part of the promises when we were making up after the fight.

"I’m sorry. Look, maybe we can go out for an hour or so,’’ I tell her.

"That’s your idea of a night on the town?’’ she says. "Forget it, Al!’’

"Listen to me,’’ I tell her. "Bill Peach showed up unexpectedly this morning. He’s talking about closing the plant.’’

Her face changes. Did it brighten?

"Closing the plant... really?’’ she asks.

"Yeah, it’s getting very bad.’’

"Did you talk to him about where your next job would be?’’ she asks.

After a second of disbelief, I say, "No, I didn’t talk to him about my next job. My job is here— in this town, at this plant.’’

She says, "Well, if the plant is going to close, aren’t you interested in where you’re going to live next? I am.’’

"He’s only talking about it.’’

"Oh,’’ she says.

I feel myself glaring at her. I say, "You really want to get out of this town as fast as you can, don’t you?’’

"It isn’t my home town, Al. I don’t have the same sentimental feelings for it you do,’’ she