Wish Book brings maintainers improved communication, better work environment Published June 22, 2007 By Amanda Creel 78th ABW/PA Robins AFB, Ga. -- Have you ever sat at work and wished for better lighting or even a latch for the restroom door? For those who've pondered what it would be like to have those wishes granted, the D Flight in the 560th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron has the answer. The C-130 maintainers have seen numerous wishes granted since their flight chief, David Griffin, first introduced the Wish Book. "Anything you want, you put it in the Wish Book and I'll get it for you if I can," Mr. Griffin said. Mr. Griffin started the Wish Book because he noticed the mechanics weren't getting a lot of the things they needed. The Wish Book is a large bound book that waits patiently for members of the flight to record any requests or needs they have that could help the flight become more productive. The Integrated Product Team addresses each issue listed in the book at their weekly meetings and minutes from their meetings are even placed in the book so wishers may check on the progress of their request. "Just about everything we want, we get. That makes it nice," said Danny Vaughan, C-130 structures crew lead. He said the addition of the Wish Book has been a great morale builder for the maintainers. "We've got better listeners. They take the word of the mechanics," said Robert Eddins, production craft overhaul foreman. "The Wish Book has helped a lot." Some of the projects the book has helped tackle include the lack of lighting around and under the wing, safety improvements to the stands and the addition of new reamer kits. He said the book not only provided him a way to understand the needs of his mechanics, but it gives the mechanics a way to personally talk to him, their flight chief. "It's important to make sure there is an open line of communication between workers and leadership," Mr. Griffin said. "This is how we develop a high-performing team." He said since the flight began using the book, it has become more productive and been able to complete maintenance projects further ahead of schedule because the suggestions are helping the maintainers do their job more efficiently and comfortably. "The bottom line is it is giving them what they need," Mr. Griffin said.