by Julie | May 19, 2016 | Consulting, Employee Training, Management, Process Improvement
Tips to Enhance Employee Involvement in Process Improvement
I enjoy trying new recipes but if you know me at all, I’m not very good at following instructions. So, the first time I try a recipe, I will try to follow the instructions and for the most part, use the specified ingredients. If a recipe proves to be worth trying again, I will begin analyzing the instructions in order to find a more efficient way to prepare the dish.
I am sure that the creator of the recipe came up with the process based on the skills and equipment that she had, but, my kitchen set-up is different and as a result, I’m sure I can find a more efficient way to achieve the same results.
The Job Methods program within Training Within Industry has a similar goal but on a much larger scale. This program was developed to teach employees to understand and improve their work and to sell their improvement ideas to their supervisors, peers and upper management. The goal is to give plant personnel the tools they need in order to produce more products in less time with the same level of quality while utilizing the available resources.
If you believe that your plant has opportunities to enhance employee involvement in your process improvement initiatives, I would make the following suggestions:
- State the organizational goals and how improving the process of how things are done will help achieve those goals. Make sure these goals are congruent with the workforce goals, i.e. increased profitability.
- Give employees the freedom to question how things are done. Don’t allow the phrase “but we have always done it that way” to be used. Perhaps set-up a friendly fine for the person who expresses that sentiment.
- When looking at ways to improve a process, utilize a Job Methods Breakdown sheet in order to capture all the steps in the process and then question every step. Ask Why? What? Where? When? Who? How? as you work through each of the steps.
- Provide employees a method for making suggestions for process improvements. I have often heard employees say that they have made suggestions but no one ever accepts them. But, in order for a process improvement idea to be made, it needs to be well thought out and presented in a setting where constructive feedback can be made and received.
- Make sure employees receive recognition for their ideas. The more recognition they receive; the more ideas they will generate.
Employee involvement in continuous improvement activities is an important key to the success of manufacturing companies. But, without the proper training and support, employees may end up feeling disconnected from these activities. Effective communication, robust training and an open and supportive workplace will go a long way towards achieving your productivity goals.
For more practical tips for manufacturing professionals to attract, train and retain your hourly workforce, go to www.keyprocessinnovations.com.
by Julie | May 17, 2016 | Consulting, Efficiency, Employee Training, Management
Training Supervisors on Conflict Resolution
Dealing with conflict is an important part of a healthy work environment. And making sure people have the skills to resolve those issues was so important that Job Relations Training was included as one of the four programs within Training Within Industry. Donald Dinero in his book “Training Within Industry” said Job Relations Training “gives supervisors an easy method to use on a daily basis to inform their decisions and make their jobs easier.”
The program includes a 4 step method for handling conflict. As I read through the 4 steps (Get the Facts, Weigh and Decide, Take Action and Check Results), I thought about how difficult it can be to take unemotional approach to a situation where you are emotionally involved.
But, being effective in a supervisory role requires the ability to look beyond the emotions and focus on what is best for the organization. The importance of a supervisor is often overlooked but, he or she probably has one of the most difficult positions within a manufacturing plant. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to produce consistent results in order to meet the business objectives, however, they are also responsible for addressing the day to day concerns of the hourly employees. I imagine the supervisor being pulled in both directions when at times, these two groups are perceived to be diametrically opposed. The supervisor is expected to be calm under pressure, patient, demanding, understanding, unyielding, etc.
Have you looked at the organization through the supervisor’s glasses? Do they have the skills they need in order to keep your organization moving in the direction you want it to move? Are they getting the support they need in order to address the concerns of the hourly work force while focusing on the organizational goals?
For more practical tips for manufacturing professionals to attract, train and retain your hourly workforce, go to www.keyprocessinnovations.com.
by Julie | May 5, 2016 | Consulting, Efficiency, Employee Training, Onboarding
Introducing Job Instruction Training
One way to remove variability from your process is to ensure the operators are properly trained. Sounds easy enough – but how do you go about doing that?
Fortunately, a proven methodology has already been developed. Job Instruction Training (JI), one of four programs contained in Training Within Industry (see this blog for more information on TWI) covers this important topic. According to JI, training can be broken down into the following steps:
- Prepare the Operator. People tend to be nervous before learning something new and this can impact the learning process. So, try to relax the operator while learning more about him, including any relevant experience. You also want to explain why what they are learning is important and how this task relates to the overall manufacturing process.
- Present the Operation. Explain each of the steps in the operation, identifying key points along with the reasons for each step. Describing each step while the operator watches will help the operator learn much faster. The more senses that are utilized during learning will increase the retention rate and speed.
- Perform the Operation. Once the operator has seen the steps performed and had the key points and reasons explained, now is the time to try it himself. As the operator works through the steps, have him explain the key points and reasons for each step. Be patient as the operator walks through each of the steps taking the time to check for understanding by asking questions.
- Follow-Up. Once you feel the operator has a good understanding of the process, you can leave him alone. But, make sure you check back with him periodically (more frequently initially) to ensure the steps are being followed and he doesn’t have any questions.
After reviewing this information, you probably had a similar reaction as me which was “this seems fairly straightforward.” However, I also wondered how many instructors have been taught how to train an employee to do a new job. Without a doubt, it is possible to be successful without a fully defined training methodology, but, I wonder, how much more efficient and effective could you be if you took the time to establish a formal training method for your instructors to follow?
For more practical tips for manufacturing professionals to attract, train and retain your hourly workforce, go to www.keyprocessinnovations.com.
by Julie | Apr 28, 2016 | Consulting, Efficiency, Employee Training, Interim Management, Management, Safety
TRAINING WITHIN INDUSTRY
Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of being an instructor at the Investment Casting Institute’s Process Control Class. It was in this class that I had my first introduction to Training Within Industry.
During World War II, there was a shortage of skilled and trained workers at a time when the demand on manufacturing was very high. As a result, Training Within Industry was developed to quickly and efficiently train operators.
There are four programs of Training Within Industry:
- Job Instruction (JI) – this component teaches trainers how to train
- Job Methods (JM) – a methodology that employees use to make their job easier
- Job Relations (JR) – an analytical method for addressing personnel issues
- Program Development (PD) –how to solve production problems that are unique to a particular organization
Each of the programs are broken into four steps and the training and implementation of these programs is very structured. However, the organizations which followed this approach realized unbelievable results. After the war, TWI became less common place in the United States, however, the Japanese learned about it and TWI is credited to be the foundation of Lean Manufacturing.
In the book Training Within Industry by Donald Dinero, the author states that “TWI helped lay the bases for “learning organizations,” where successful companies train their employees to question, think and solve problems. “
Can you imagine a better workforce than one that can question, think and solve problems? There are a number of resources available online to learn more about Training Within Industry. In the upcoming articles, I’ll provide more information on each of the programs.
For more practical tips for manufacturing professionals to attract, train and retain your hourly workforce, go to www.keyprocessinnovations.com.
by Julie | Apr 14, 2016 | Consulting, Employee Training, Interim Management, Management, Onboarding, Safety
THE START OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL
Starting a new job can be a little stressful. Meeting new people, learning new tasks and an adjusting to a new workplace culture. Can you think back to your first day with your current employer? Were you nervous? Excited? How were you greeted by your new peers? Was everyone expecting you?
Some employers seem burned out from the hiring phase – it is like a revolving door for new employees. Employees are hired and then they leave within a week or two resulting in more time and money spent on recruiting and training.
Without a doubt, hiring employees has gotten much more difficult in recent years. There is a shortage of skilled workers who have the workplace competencies needed in manufacturing. So, recruiting qualified candidates is much more difficult. (Check out this article on tips on recruiting the most qualified employees.)
But, once you have selected a qualified employee, you want to make them feel welcome. Have you thought about the first impression you give your new employee on their first day? Could you do more to let your new employees know you view them as a valuable member of your team? Here are few suggestions that could help in retaining your new employees:
- Interview current employees about what they thought about their first day, week or month with the company. What was their impression of how they were welcomed by the company? What is one thing they would like to see improved or implemented?
- Establish a mentor program so veteran employees can assist new hires assimilate into the culture.
- Create an employee based committee to assist in developing and instituting the onboarding process. You might even consider allowing them to participate in interviewing candidates.
- Provide a checklist for the hiring manager or supervisor so they can ensure the company is prepared for a new employee prior to the first day.
Establishing an onboarding program is an important part of retaining your work force (check out this blog for more information on onboarding). But, don’t overlook the importance of making a good impression on the first day. Making the employee feel welcome and helping them adjust to your culture can help retain a valuable new employee.
For more practical tips for manufacturing professionals to attract, train and retain your hourly workforce, go to www.keyprocessinnovations.com.
