What are some of the most common traps you believe new Manufacturing leaders should be cautious of when entering their role?
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Manufacturing is rather complex. Jumping into conclusions too fast and trying to be on top of all, solving issues and demonstrating quick wins could be counterproductive. Finding "individuals as a source of truth" is primordial to navigate in this complexity.
Gaps to navigate: (1) Financial and P&L management with an understanding of COGS and labor costs, (2) quickly identifying best-fit solutions tailored to the specific manufacturing and production objectives, (3) quickly recognizing the organization's expectations and priorities, (4) Do not underestimate internal politics that may impede performance, (5) acknowledge tribal knowledge; identify standardized process, and figure out the culture, (6) evaluate leadership skills and competencies, and (5) Temper the speed of change.
New roles require relationship-building and garnering trust.
Internal Trap: Being bias (whether intentionally or not) and overlook/underestimate the negative impact of office politics.
External Trap: Forgot that the right customers are the true bosses of the whole organization.
The cost savings trap.
When saving cost, quality and processes need to be stable first (see sand cone model)
1) Prioritizing short-term goals over long-term goals
2) Seeing the department/function as a cost-centre and not as a value-centre