The current Recognition Quality Team is moving into the second half of its term. We are continuing to work on projects already started, and we are initiating some new ideas for the six months ahead. The premiere of the revamped Person-to-Person gathering was a big success, and the second installment is coming up on January 28th. Harlan Patterson, Vice Provost of Planning & Budgeting will be the guest speaker. We’re hoping for another great turnout to hear the speaker, have a free lunch and get to know some of your Financial Management co-workers.

Work is continuing on the RQT dashboard, an effort that will produce a number of useful measurements the team can use to compare past and current performance. The dashboard will also help us maintain more efficient processes in the future. We have been getting advice from experienced dashboard developers, and we are currently looking through our old award records for data and to find any trends. It is our goal to use the data to identify problem areas—areas where process slowdown occurs—and come up with creative solutions to these known problems.

Through November 2003, 120 Bravo awards had been given out since the program’s inception in June. Recently, the RQT has begun offering a new option for the Bravo award: Starbucks gift cards! This is a nice treat for the coffee lover who goes the extra mile. In addition, the Bravo will still be available with University Bookstore, University Village and Red Robin gift cards.

These and other projects are all part of the RQT’s effort to keep Financial Management a supportive and enjoyable place to work. We hope you all have reason to use the RQT to help recognize and reward others for their effort and dedication. On behalf of the team, have a happy New Year!

For complete information about the RQT’s activities and projects, check our website at http://www.washington.edu/admin/finmgmt/qi/rqt.