Beyond the Blueprint: Understanding Processes Through People

Beyond the Blueprint: Understanding Processes Through People

From the intricate dance of anodizing in a lighting factory to the precise rhythms of auto parts manufacturing, my career has been a journey through diverse industries and roles. Over 14 years in lighting, then plastics, healthcare, shipping, and auto parts – each stop taught me invaluable lessons about processes and people. And through it all, one truth has become crystal clear: true mastery isn't about knowing the machines; it's about understanding the team.

People often say, "Learn the machines, and you'll understand the process." But I've found that's only half the story. As a leader, I may not have the same granular knowledge of every machine as my team, but I understand the overarching processes, the goals, and the customer expectations. And more importantly, I understand the people who make it all happen.

My time on the manufacturing floor gave me a unique perspective. I've felt the pressure of long hours, the frustration of seemingly impossible goals, and the sacrifice of countless weekends. This firsthand experience fuels my commitment to supporting my team, to working alongside them, not above them.

For me, leadership is about building genuine relationships based on trust and respect. It's about listening, learning, and understanding what drives each individual. It's about recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and reading the unspoken language of body language. It's about nurturing those who are content in their roles and empowering those who aspire to grow.

Honesty and transparency are paramount. I believe in sharing factual data and holding myself and my team accountable. If I make a commitment, I expect my team to hold me to it. That's how we build trust. Because their voices matter, and they deserve to know their concerns will be addressed.

My experience with Lean Six Sigma has deeply impacted my leadership approach. The focus on process optimization and waste reduction taught me that efficiency isn't just about streamlining machines; it's about empowering people to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. Understanding material flow in manufacturing and shipping has shown me the importance of clear communication and collaboration across departments. Just as Lean Six Sigma emphasizes continuous improvement, I believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development for my team. Recognizing those that want to learn more and move up, and helping them to do so, is a key component of building a strong team.

Ultimately, my team are the true experts in their roles. My job is to support them, to help them work smarter, not harder. Because beyond the blueprints and technical specifications, it's the people who breathe life into every process.

#Leadership #TeamBuilding #ManufacturingLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #ProcessImprovement #TrustAndAccountability #WorkplaceCulture #LeanSixSigma