One of the questions you are asked each year in our annual plant survey is whether you are clear about what is expected of you.
Years ago, when I was an HR Pro, I worked with supervisors and managers to find a way to summarize what we look for from our employees. We came up with a list of 10 Commitments that we would like each team member to embrace. You may have seen them printed up somewhere in your facility.
We have had many people join our team since I last shared these. So, here’s a refresher. We’re looking closer at commitment #4 Work Smart-Technique and Consistency
Much of the work in our plants is physically demanding. New people report all the time that they discover muscles they didn’t know they had. Frequently, we have people leave because the hard physical label frustrates and discourages them.
That being said, if you look closely and ask questions, the best people in our plants have techniques, strategies, and skills which they employ to make the job easier.
Many people pour physical effort into learning the job. An alternative would be to stop, to ask questions and to develop an understanding of the “right way” to do things.
We should be better teaching those techniques, but we recommend that you look into the “smarter” ways to do things.
Ask questions. Seek assistance. Build your skill. Develop consistency. Strength and speed will come.
10 COMMITMENTS
- No Shortcuts
We will teach you the safe way, provide you safe equipment, fix it when it breaks. Do it right and safe.
- Safety Freeze.
Watch out for others, guide and teach “rookies,” hold others accountable for safe practices.
- On-time and Quick Start
Be there, start timely.
- Work Smart-Technique and Consistency
Learn the right techniques and work at a consistent pace.
- Work Hard-Strength and Speed
Build endurance and push for faster production
- Teamwork
Teammates support, co-operate, encourage and motivate each other. Be a good team member.
- “Customer Quality”
Know your customer and exceed their expectations.
- 100% Uptime
Learn to understand your tools and machines. Maintain them. Report little things before they become big.
- Lean and Clean.
To run lean, we must have good housekeeping. Keep your area clean.
- Better or worse?
If you are not moving toward excellence, you are drifting toward mediocrity.
