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-----Original Message-----

From:
Patterson, Neal 

To:
DL_ALL_MANAGERS; 

Subject:
MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVE:  Week #10_01:  Fix it or changes will be made

Importance:
High

To the KC-based managers: 

I have gone over the top.  I have been making this point for over one year. 

We are getting less than 40 hours of work from a large number of our KC-based EMPLOYEES.  The parking lot is sparsely used at 8AM; likewise at 5PM.  As managers -- you either do not know what your EMPLOYEES are doing; or YOU do not CARE.  You have created expectations on the work effort which allowed this to happen inside Cerner, creating a very unhealthy environment.  In either case, you have a  problem and you will fix it or I will replace you.  

NEVER in my career have I allowed a team which worked for me to think they had a 40 hour job.  I have allowed YOU to create a culture which is permitting this.  NO LONGER.  

At the end of next week, I am plan to implement the following:  

1. Closing of Associate Center to EMPLOYEES from 7:30AM  to 6:30PM. 

2. Implementing a hiring freeze for all KC based positions.  It will require Cabinet approval to hire someone into a KC based team.  I chair our Cabinet.  

3. Implementing a time clock system, requiring EMPLOYEES to 'punch in' and 'punch out' to work.  Any unapproved absences will be charged to the EMPLOYEES vacation.  

4. We passed a Stock Purchase Program, allowing for the EMPLOYEE to purchase Cerner stock at a 15% discount,  at Friday's BOD meeting.  Hell will freeze over before this CEO implements ANOTHER EMPLOYEE benefit in this Culture.  

5. Implement a 5% reduction of staff in KC.  

6. I am tabling the promotions until I am convinced that the ones being promoted are the solution, not the problem.  If you are the problem, pack you bags. 

I think this parental type action SUCKS.  However, what you are doing, as managers, with this company makes me SICK.  It makes sick to have to write this directive.  

I know I am painting with a broad brush and the majority of the KC based associates are hard working, committed to Cerner success and committed to transforming health care.  I know the parking lot is not a great measurement for 'effort'.  I know that 'results' is what counts, not 'effort'.  But I am through with the debate.  

We have a big vision.  It will require a big effort.  Too many in KC are not making the effort.  

I want to hear from you.  If you think I am wrong with any of this, please state your case.  If you have some ideas on how to fix this problem, let me hear those.  I am very curious how you think we got here.  If you know team members who are the problem, let me know.  Please include (copy) Kynda in all of your replies.  

I STRONGLY suggest that you call some 7AM,  6PM and Saturday AM team meetings with the 

EMPLOYEES who work directly for you.   Discuss this serious issue with your team. I suggest that you call your first meeting -- tonight.  Something is going to change. 

I am giving you two weeks to fix this.  My measurement will be the parking lot:  it  should be substantially full at 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM.  The pizza man should show up at 7:30 PM to feed the starving teams working late.  The lot should be half full on Saturday mornings.  We have a lot of work to do.  If you do not have enough to keep your teams busy, let me know immediately.

Folks this is a management problem, not an EMPLOYEE problem.  Congratulations, you are management.  You have the responsibility for our EMPLOYEES.  I will hold you accountable.  You have allowed this to get to this state.  You have two weeks.   Tick, tock.

Neal …..

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Cerner Corporation www.cerner.com

2800 Rockcreek Parkway;  Kansas City, Missouri 64117

"We Make Health Care Smarter"