By Tony Almeida

Should we rank janitors? Does this encourage upward mobility? Yes, but only if the way they are ranked comes from useful criteria.

“Ranking is not a measurement system. Ranking is ordering, not measuring,” states Ed Baker states in his book, The Symphony of Profound Knowledge: W. Edwards Deming’s Score for Leading, Performing, and Living in Concert.

Of course, ranking can be based on measurements, but which ones? What is the difference between a “head janitor” versus “regular janitor”?

Leadership and people skills are criteria, though ranking makes better sense when all goals of employment are clearly defined.

Since cleaning’s main function is to remove unwanted matter from the space, “cleans better” is foundational.

Measuring the ability of janitors to remove contaminants from the space in the shortest amount of time by the safest, healthiest means — and equipping them to do so — is primary.

See ICM Definition below.

Stay tuned for more information on Integrated Cleaning and Measurement (ICM) as a tool for upward mobility based on better, safer, healthier and more-accurately-measured cleaning.

ICM Definition

Integrated Cleaning and Measurement is an open-source, product-neutral framework in which best practices are defined by scientific measurement of cleaning outcomes and continuous improvement. A recurring theme within ICM is the development of a system with a specific aim, for as Dr. W. Edwards Deming said: “A system is a network of interdependent components that work together to try to accomplish the aim of the system … A system must have an aim. Without an aim, there is no system.” The overarching aim of an ICM system is to clean better. (Source: IEHA)

About Tony Almeida

Tony has more than 32 years of experience in the custodial trades. He spent six years in the private sector and the last 28 years as part of the Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD), Elk Grove, California, where he currently serves as Manager for the Custodial Services Department. Tony oversees 75 buildings with more than 6 million square feet and just over 300 staff members.