How the Metrics Were Used

Each week the metrics were posted on the bulletin board. Each buyer s current standing and improvement from the beginning of the month were 

In addition, buyers whose performance was not strong worked with their managers and used the metrics as diagnostics to develop specific plans for improvement. 

At our monthly department meeting, we announced the winners for the month in terms of (1) best overall metric performance, and (2) Sludge-Buster-of-the-Month (the buyer with the best sludge-reduction performance). The winners each received a gift certificate for a dinner for two at a good restaurant. 

At these meetings, we really celebrated the winners success. We also pointed out and celebrated the performance of other buyers whose metrics were exceptionally good — either in absolute terms or in terms of percentage improvement. 

During my two-year tenure at Merisel, the Purchasing Department made some great strides  

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