SHEEP & Great Processes…
- Marty Schad
- Mar 5, 2020
- 2 min read
Sheep do not build Great Manufacturing Processes. The sheep I’m talking about are not the wool-producing kind. No…I’m talking about people who have a sheep-type mindset. So, what is a “sheep-type mindset”? A sheep in this context can be defined as: “a timid docile person, especially one easily influenced or led”. Let’s think about the most successful process builders we have seen and worked with. What kind of mentality or disposition do these folks tend to have? MINDSET of World-Class Process Builders
Fearless BUT not worried about “looking bad”, particularly to “spectators”. They are more concerned with innovating and making progress than with protecting their ego.
Bold, willing to take large risks. BUT, they want to evaluate these risks as rapidly and as efficiently as possible, to move towards a solution (or to start with another, possibly more fruitful, approach).
Disciplined BUT open-minded.
Theoretically sound and rigorous BUT most focused on practical solutions that have real-world applications.
Persistent BUT not interested in purely academic knowledge just for its own sake.
Respect the researchers and research work BUT still very discerning when it comes to the true commercial potential of the research.
Lead the project and provide the vision or “carrot” WHILE STILL welcoming the opinion of others. True process leaders are always trying to clarify their understanding of the situation, and they realize that others viewpoints and knowledge are invaluable assets.
Determined to do “whatever it takes” to make the process work WHILE STILL feeling empowered to recommend project stoppage if that makes sense.
Willing to take initiative and bear the ultimate responsibility WHILE STILL being unconcerned about who gets credit, as long as progress is being made.
Willing to be wrong, and expecting that to happen WHILE STILL trying to systematically and continuously improve over time to become more effective and successful.
I trust you will agree that a timid, easily led person is very unlikely to have the above mindset!
My main learning from this line of thinking is that a certain disposition and mindset are absolutely fundamental prerequisites for building Great Manufacturing Process. These things cannot be taught easily, or perhaps at all. They are largely a matter of personality and experience.
CHALLENGE TO READERS
Please think about you and your organization’s efforts building Great Manufacturing Processes…
What kind of people are responsible for your key process building efforts? Are you asking for innovation, but truly valuing conformity?
Have you incorporated the “process builders’ mindset” into your hiring criteria? Armed with this knowledge, can you improve your hiring process to identify truly suitable individuals?
I’d like to know what you think the best mindset is for successfully building great manufacturing processes. What are your positive, and not so positive, experiences in this regard? If you email us, we will get back to you promptly. Thanks!
All the Best,
Marty
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