1997年，马里兰州安妮·阿伦德尔县公用事业局开始了EXCEL（卓越）项目 通过具有成本效益的领导力）变革管理计划。竞争差距为19.4% 预计每年可节省470万美元的成本。 从一开始，工会和管理层就联合起来，共同面对一个目标，即成为 一流的竞争性组织。一个由10人组成的指导团队由一半劳动力组成， 负责指导和指导EXCEL程序取得成功 完成 成立了三个联合劳动/管理重点小组，与指导小组合作。 柔性工人团队（FWT）、项目驱动维护团队（PDM）和技术团队 （TT）受权审查、开发和建议新的平衡解决方案， 最佳做法和技术问题。 去年，制定了一个多方面、以技能为基础的培训计划。这个项目是 旨在提供操作、机械和电气领域的实践培训。 领导力和团队培训提供了基于个人和团队的决策方法， 解决冲突，有效合作。基于计算机的进修培训和培训 持续的现场培训和任务分配确保每位员工都有平等的机会维护和 练习他们的技能。 这种文化变革的好处包括: 支付差饷的顾客知道他们的健康和环境正在改善，从而获得信心 由一支专业、训练有素、积极进取的团队维护；这个 组织通过良好的管理来实现更高的绩效- 训练有素的有效劳动力；这个 工会/管理层之间的关系通过共同承诺得到改善，而抱怨最少；和 个人获得更多技能，获得更好的报酬。包括数字。

In 1997, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Bureau of Utilities embarked on the EXCEL (Excellence through Cost Effective Leadership) change management program. A 19.4 percent competitive gap was identified with potential annual cost savings of $4.7 million. From the outset both union and management joined together to face a common goal, namely to become a best-in-class, competitive organization. A 10-person Steering Team was formed that was comprised of half labor, half management and was charged with guiding and directing the EXCEL program to successful completion. Three joint labor/management focus teams were formed to work in conjunction with the Steering Team. The Flexible Worker Team (FWT), Program Driven Maintenance Team (PDM) and Technology Team (TT) were mandated to review, develop and recommend new and balanced solutions to organizational, best practices and technological issues. In the last year, a multi-faceted, skills-based training program was developed. This program was designed to provide hands-on practical training in the areas of operations, mechanical, and electrical. Leadership and teams training provided individual and team-based approaches to decision making, conflict resolution, and working effectively and cooperatively. Computer-based refresher training and ongoing field training and tasking ensure each employee is provided equal opportunity to maintain and practice their skills. The benefits from this culture change include: rate-paying customers gain confidence knowing their health and environment is being maintained by a professional, well-trained, and highly motivated team; the organization achieves greater performance through a well-trained effective workforce; the union/management relationship improves through shared commitment with minimal grievances; and, individuals gain more skills and are better compensated. Includes figure.