The Division of Reclamation has been successful in maintaining a continuous planning process that directs employee work effort. Operation Excellence began in 1993 as a simple goals and objectives project that has transitioned into a division-wide business plan. The Operation Excellence concept encompasses the entire management philosophy of the Division focusing on customer service, continuous improvement of our programs, and leadership and empowerment of all of our employees. The Division measures its progress against defined program outcomes that are evaluated annually.

The Division is team based with line supervisors and their staff having decision-making authority for many program functions. Supervisors set the standards of performance accountability for their teams. They are considered the behavioral role models of the vision, mission, values, and leadership qualities of the Division. All employees are encouraged to increase their leadership skills and do receive training in leadership, empowerment, team building and meeting facilitation. Several employees have developed advanced skills in facilitation and training that are used not only in the division, but in the Department of Natural Resources and the federal Office of Surface Mining.

Because of Operation Excellence, DOR was awarded the State of Indiana Quality Improvement Award for 1998, 1999, and 2000. DOR is the only state agency to ever win the award. We have also won other awards for our technical expertise in mine reclamation. View these national awards.