Page 5 - Logistics News August 2017
P. 5
Opinion
What CEOs can learn from
their frontline workers
By Mark Dohnalek.
Courtesy Supply
Chain Management
Review
Great leaders, lead. They do this by having and presence on the fl oor to watch behaviours and
eff ectively communication a vision with passion then ask them what is working and what is not.
and purpose that is then embraced by their Knowing how the process works fi rst hand will
workforce. And, at manufacturing fi rms and supply allow you to make much more informed decisions
chain partners, it will be the frontline workers who about how to guide your company in today’s, and
ultimately execute the steps to achieve each goal. tomorrow’s, market. After all, how will you know
These workers will see problems and fi gure out what’s next if you don’t know what’s now?
solutions long before the C-level execs do. Your Bringing frontline sensibility to the C-suite.
frontline workers could be the key to your growth. It’s time to promote from the fl oor to the suite. It
Here’s how. used to be practically impossible to move from the
New ideas and improvements. Since frontline factory fl oor to the executive suite, but that barrier
workers are preparing the materials, building is breaking down – to the benefi t of manufacturing
motors, putting together delicate machinery, companies everywhere. Talent exists throughout
painting components and other product every level of your company and the frontline
development processes, they always know why experience will give them a strong grasp of the
there is a slowdown in production or gaps in day-to-day perspective. If you’re not making
quality controls. Just as importantly, they will yourself familiar with the workers who handle
be able to advise on how to improve operations your materials, run your machines, and assemble
from scheduling, deliverables, and changes and your products, then you’re missing out on a major
adjustments in assembly, storage, transportation recruitment pool.
and other supply chain logistics. That’s a lot of Knowing when to change course. In today’s
knowledge that should be heard and acted upon to competitive environment, the most eff ective CEOs
improve operations and optimize performance. Talk are the ones armed with the most knowledge of
to your workers as often as you to fi nd out what their industry, company, and products or services.
they know and get ideas on how to make your The more practical, hands-on knowledge that you
production process more eff ective and effi cient. can add to your wheelhouse, the better off you –
Better planning and production. Spreadsheets and your company – will be. This is especially true
may be a helpful guide but your frontline teams given the fast pace of change that manufacturing
are the ones in real-time and will see problems is seeing, as automation and smart robots continue
and what needs to be done long before the to grow in importance on the factory fl oor.
C-level will. Their understanding on how to meet Start spending time, listen and learn from your
new demands, pace production and sequence team managers, fl oor supervisors, and, frontline
supply chain movements could be solutions that employees which will give you that competitive
an outside consultant may not know. Become a edge.
10 August 2017 | Logistics News
