It’s hard to believe that March is here already.

I’ve visited a number of plants so far this year and I notice one consistent trend: our people are fighting incredibly hard to help us to succeed.

Every place I go, folks are trying out a variety of strategies to correct hassles that have plagued us for awhile as well as new problems that crop up daily. They are putting aside old methods to try new ones. As we try to learn to think and work “lean,” folks are speaking up and making a difference. It is very gratifying to watch.

But, while all the change and challenge can make work interesting, I know that it isn’t easy. It is hard work. Every successful effort to get better could well be accompanied by an effort that doesn’t yield the results we hoped to achieve. It takes a great deal of character to attack those issues daily like you do.

Combine all that with the complexities of making ends meet at home, raising a family or navigating a marriage, and there can be and will be days where your batteries run low and you are seeking a recharge.

I was in a conversation today with some colleagues who were talking about a recent experience where an employee at a store was telling about how frustrating it was to work for that store. He had just quit trying. He was doing as much as necessary and as little as possible.

As I listened to the story, I found myself thinking about all of you. I am grateful that the level of trying in our organization is as high as I have seen it. Your commitment to our success is uplifting. Thank you for coming to work every day and giving your best. It is what sets us apart.