What are the best practices for leading a team of maintenance technicians?

As per experience in the OEM industry communication is the most important part for completion of major projects. Communication through any mode it doesn't matter here what matters is the details and conciseness of the important data or information without using any unintended words or contradiction. While collaboration with team members we use Concurrent Engineering thoroughly so that our work and its update is interlinked with us.

The level at which most of the technicians are, they get easily demotivated/feel disconnected from organisation goal. To cater this proper communication is neccessary, seniors getting on the shop floor and appreciating them from time to time works like an immunity booster against demotivation. The reporting manager should understand their perspective and requirement properly before concluding anything. Small things really matters in suct position of technicians.

As per my understanding communication is the key to any perfect work... Communication is important for exchange of information & reducing the Chaos between group members...

Maintenance work involves coordination and collaboration with engineers and facility managers. The ability to communicate complex maintenance work is critical for achieving positive results in the workplace. Often, employers expect a candidate to have excellent writing skills. By communicating proactively in writing, maintenance technicians can help their colleagues and employees understand the history of devices or machines they are using. Also, these professionals require communication skills to ensure safety in a facility. Knowing how to communicate the technical specifications is essential for workplace success.

As per my understanding the planning of any activity is dependent on its previous and post process of it. Planning has to be done in that way when the waste time is reduced...

Efficient use of resources (parts and people) must be considered when scheduling planned maintenance. To raise the level of the team, it's a good idea to mix experienced technicians with newcomers so that the newcomers can learn faster. Of course, things will not always go as planned and there will be (emergency) corrective maintenance, so leave some room to rearrange tasks if necessary. Keep track of all work done, use a ticketing and work order system, and encourage your team to describe crashes in as much detail as possible.

In my opinion, technicians/team working under you, want their leader to be standing by their side. Standing by their side doesn't mean you should agree whatever they say. Standing by their side means, how well you make their job easy. To make their job easy, you need to plan activity, designate activity, assign resources to them, make a leader among them (For that specific task), motivate them, give credits to them. its a wholesome approach. Not a single specific thing.

As per my understanding, To effectively plan and schedule maintenance tasks, it's crucial to understand the scope of work, prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, use digital tools for monitoring equipment conditions, foster collaboration, provide clear instructions, be flexible, and regularly review and adjust plans. Utilizing digital tools can help monitor equipment conditions, track maintenance history, and predict potential issues. Encouraging technicians to contribute their ideas and insights ensures realistic plans. Clear instructions should be provided to each technician, and plans should be flexible to accommodate unexpected issues. Regularly reviewing and adjusting plans is essential to ensure they work as intended.

As per my understanding all the team members of any group of maintenance have knowledge of their branch according to their work...

According To my Personal Experience Managing a maintenance technicians team is not an easy task. As a team leader there are some important key points which a team lead must know. 1. Maintenance Types including tools and equipments 2. Scope of work 3. Time management 4. Project handling 5. Right person for the right job 6. On group trainings 7. Last but not least a calm mind plays significant role to handle a team

Training not only raises the technical level of the team, it also raises everyone's motivation. They feel valued because you are investing in them. If possible, send them on some courses and training outside the company, perhaps at a manufacturer's training centre, and even on a subject outside their area of expertise, so they can share experiences with other people.

Team members feel more motivated towards project objectives by empowering them. Shared ownership helps individuals to work with more dedication to deliver value to stakeholders.

As a maintenance engineer, it's crucial to ensure your team has the necessary skills and knowledge for effective and safe tasks. This involves regular training sessions on maintenance techniques, safety protocols, and technical documentation interpretation. Empowering your team by giving them autonomy and respecting their expertise can increase job satisfaction and morale. Acknowledging and appreciating team members' contributions can build a positive team culture and contribute to efficiency, effectiveness, and overall operational success.

As per my understanding monitoring is important in any type of maintenance work because the work has to be done in an effective way with some good results...

Implement a "Safety First" standard and ask employees for ideas to promote a safe working environment. Establish a "buy-in" mindset to prevent accidents on and off the job and set the example always.

one thing I've found helpful is Leading a maintenance team requires regular monitoring and evaluation of performance metrics. This includes tracking work orders, task completion time, work quality, and equipment failures. Regular evaluations can identify strengths and areas for improvement, providing insights into training programs and management strategies. Communication of these results should be constructive, highlighting achievements and discussing challenges. Encouraging team feedback fosters a culture of continuous learning and responsiveness to team needs.

Leading a team of maintenance technicians involves clear communication, setting expectations, and fostering a positive work environment. Provide ongoing training, establish clear protocols for problem-solving, and encourage collaboration. Regularly acknowledge and reward achievements to boost morale, and address concerns promptly to maintain a motivated and efficient team.

As per my understanding any maintenance work should have to follow the guidelines of lean maintenance and total productive maintenance activities...

To lead a team effectively, This involves regularly reviewing processes, systems, and results to identify areas for improvement. Small incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. Encourage team members to share ideas and recognize their efforts when improvements are made. The goal is not perfection, but to create an environment for continuous improvement.

Feedback, La retroalimentación regular a tu equipo sobre su desempe?o y busca constantemente formas de mejorar los procesos y procedimientos de mantenimiento.

As per my understanding any maintenance chief or head of the department has to think from all the people's ideology & from all the prospects...

Based on my experience, I recommend the following 1. Encourage team members to share their trouble shooting experience with others regularly 2. Ask them to log the Lessons Learned during PM & BM 3. Let them accompany OEM Engineers while they trouble shoot specialised equipment 4. Motivate the team mates to take up upgrades and replacement of obsolete equipment 5. Enjoy tea breaks with the team and collect drank and free feedback 6. Nominate team members for OEM training 7. Invite equipment vendors to arrange for lunch and learn sessions 8. Conduct tool box safety talks every alternate days to inculcate the culture of safety

Set a really good example by staying interested in what's going on, right down to the smallest repair) Lead by example, showing good work ethic. Help figure out complexities and invite opinions and ideas..Be there with your guys, get down and dirty with them and appreciate the "above and beyond" people with rewards,Thanks, and acknowledgement ... Accountability...Give the credit where credit is due! Humility, integrity, are mandatory ingredients of a true leader. Show your human side and learn with your team, as Nobody knows it all... Keeping yourself "approachable" will keep things going smoothly on the worst days! ( and we all know what a bad day feels like... Especially in the Maintenance Department ????????)

En mi experiencia ha sido determinante la ética profesional, los valores, la congruencia entre lo que un líder dice y hace y la capacidad para ponerse en” los zapatos del otro “, es decir ; se resume en la confianza que inspires a tu equipo.

La mejor manera de liderar es enteder que no lo sabes todo; como lider diriges, orientas, animas, fomentas el aprendizaje y crecimineto en conjuto.