The Hammer, The Nail and The Crowbar

Before you read the post below, understand that the next two posts are from the last two weeks of bootcamp This is due to the recent transition from WordPress to Squarespace. This post in particular was written about the start of the 3rd week of bootcamp (around July 27th) Enjoy!

How many IMLP’s does it take to build a fence? Well first we take a look at the As - is process flow map. After carefully analyzing it we proceed to LEAN out any unnecessary processes and increase productivity then using the Value Stream Maps……

With the second week of IMLP bootcamp over it meant it was time for the involuntary, volunteer community service scheduled for every 6 months for bootcamp. A trip to Green Chimneys (a school for special needs children) was in order to help build a fence, paint, do some gardening and digging, and of course spread the IMLP love.

Well, a short bus ride, and a long wait in traffic brought us to our location where we met with the founder of Green Chimneys for a brief introduction and history of the school. After that Green Chimneys didn’t waste any time putting us to work.  

We were split into three groups: One for the fencing, one for some gardening and digging, and one to some painting. Despite the splinters, rashes, cuts, bruises and tetanus shots, it was actually a lot of fun. Put around 60 Type-A technology personalities into a manual labor situation and some interesting things happen.

After most of the sweating was over, lunch was served and then a quick tour of the grounds. On top of being a school for at risk youths, Green Chimneys is also a shelter for injured animals. They have around 20 different species of predatory birds including all sorts of hawks, vultures and eagles. Green Chimneys incorporates their animal shelter into their year round school for youths; an incredible initiative in which the IMLP’s of Boot camp July 2009 were more than willing to help with.

Well at this point we are now three weeks into our brain-crunching boot-camp bonanza in the Danbury Plaza Hotel in Connecticut. That’s a little more than halfway for those wondering how long boot camp lasts.

There is definitely a reason it’s called bootcamp, but those of you considering the IMLP program don’t let that scare you. By the second week the five different businesses and all the different IMLP’s begin to merge together into one big happy (and tired) family. You’ll feel as though you’ve been here for 2 months rather than 2 weeks. It’s been an exhilarating experience thus far.

With the trip to Green Chimneys, the various outings to Rosy’s (potential IMLP’s… You’ll meet her soon) and the countless hours you spend together, you’ll find bootcamp to be an integral part of networking within GE and building a platform of knowledge to grow from.

-Posted By Matthew Bellezza NBCU IMLP