Managing people in plant operations can be challenging and rewarding, but also prone to some common mistakes that can affect productivity, safety, and morale. In this article, you will learn about some of the pitfalls to avoid and how to improve your line management skills.
One of the most frequent complaints from plant workers is that they don't receive enough or clear communication from their managers. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and errors, especially in a fast-paced and complex environment. To avoid this mistake, you should communicate regularly and effectively with your team, using different channels and methods. For example, you can use daily briefings, newsletters, emails, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings to share information, expectations, feedback, and recognition. You should also encourage your team to communicate with you and each other, and listen to their concerns and suggestions.
While managing different layers of people at plant, one must be careful in delivering the message or instructions. The people can be from different backgrounds and social contract. Occasionally meet people of every level and get their feedback in such a manner that your intentions remain concealed. Priorities and mission/ vision of the company should be repeated on every available occasion. Stop trying to please every one.
Daily huddles can be a valuable tool in plant operations management. These brief, focused meetings allow for real-time communication among the team. During daily huddles, everyone must have a chance to speak and share their insights, fostering a culture of open dialogue and problem-solving. These gatherings should be kept brief and on-topic, avoiding unnecessary delays in the workday. By incorporating daily huddles into your management approach, you can address issues promptly, keep everyone informed, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Managing people requires skills to avoid these common mistakes: Not Providing Feedback. Not Making Time for Your Team. Being Too "Hands-Off" Being Too Friendly. Failing to Define Goals. Misunderstanding Motivation. Hurrying Recruitment. Not "Walking the Walk"
To me one of the best way to overcome this is to get identified with Technicians. Let them see you as a friend whom they can relate with in a humane manner. Morning briefing on the day's activities through which vital information are passed down will also go a long way in making job easier and enjoyable thereby increasing the department optimal productivity.
Common mistakes that can be avoided are: Lake of communication Not following Procedures on MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets Lose control Lake of training skills No proper pre start checks on equipment before handing. This Common mistakes that can be avoided while operating an equipment.
Another common mistake that can hamper your plant operations is poor planning and organization. This can result in wasted time, resources, and opportunities, as well as increased stress and risks. To avoid this mistake, you should plan and organize your work and your team's work in advance, using tools such as schedules, checklists, charts, or software. You should also monitor and evaluate your progress and performance, and make adjustments as needed. You should also delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members, according to their skills, abilities, and interests.
Poor planning and organization can lead to various challenges and setbacks in any project or initiative, whether it's in the workplace or elsewhere. When planning and organization are lacking, goals become unclear, resources are mismanaged, and deadlines are missed. To avoid these issues, it's crucial to establish clear goals and objectives, allocate resources effectively, and set deadlines and milestones. By improving planning and organization, individuals and organizations can enhance efficiency, reduce stress, and achieve better outcomes.
When there is no proper planning the risks a at high degree, Proper work planning minimises risks, cost effective and saves times, Proper planning tools required are: JSEAs, job Safety environmental Analysis, Time frame or Schedules, Material assessment, and number of manpower to handle this tasks avoids common mistakes at work places.
A third common mistake that can damage your relationship with your team and affect their motivation and performance is inconsistent or unfair treatment. This can occur when you favor some workers over others, apply different standards or rules, or ignore or dismiss problems or complaints. To avoid this mistake, you should treat your team members with respect and fairness, and follow the policies and procedures of your organization. You should also address any issues or conflicts promptly and constructively, and seek feedback and input from your team and other stakeholders.
A successful leader should steer clear of conflicts and treat all employees equally, recognizing the significance of team morale in meeting targets. If faced with a biased supervisor, focus on boosting colleagues morale and reporting any inappropriate behavior to ensure a fair workplace.
Also being lenient and turning a blind eye towards non compliance of H&S policies. To avoid this you should uphold the company's policies and procedures without fear or favor, ensure compliance of all people. Lead from your heart.
When unfair decision is made this puts operator out of motivation to tasks to avoid mistakes there Must always be fair treatment to all employees by the management above the hierarchy.
Mostly seen that if a manager having issue with someone,he want to change his field with out knowing that will be fit or not in other unit. It's totally base on baise. That's a main cause misfit people part of team. For example if a person having operation background and manager transfer him logistic or oil movement.
Inconsistent or unfair treatment in the workplace can greatly harm morale, productivity, and overall well-being. It leads to demotivation, erodes trust, and hampers teamwork. To address these issues, clear and fair policies should be established, open communication encouraged, and training provided to recognize and address biases. By promoting consistency and fairness, organizations can create a positive work environment, boost employee satisfaction, and improve overall performance.
A fourth common mistake that can limit your team's potential and growth is lack of training and development. This can result in skill gaps, knowledge gaps, or outdated practices, which can affect the quality and efficiency of your plant operations. To avoid this mistake, you should provide your team with adequate and relevant training and development opportunities, both on-the-job and off-the-job. You should also assess their needs and goals, and support their learning and improvement. You should also update your own skills and knowledge, and seek professional development opportunities.
Setting KPI (Key Performanance indicators )for workers and incentives such as rewards ,bonus when they are met also an employee continuous improvement programme which allows those who are intrested to access financial assistance to further there studies and offer training to fill new roles which suit there added education
In my experience as Workshop Manager, i tried to organize periodic training for my Technicians on plant, equipment and machinery maintenance and operations to enhance their knowledge and to keep them abreast of the day to day changes in global technological advancement. There could be online or classroom training being organized from time to time.
There Must be proper training conducted to new people and do refresher training to senior operator to avoid Common mistakes while at work place.
This factor is quite effective if we add process emergency handling, equipment handling training and most important the checking of effectiveness of these training by some exam and practical testing
Lack of training and development in the workplace can hinder employee growth, productivity, and overall success. Without ongoing training, skills stagnate, leading to decreased job satisfaction and innovation. To address this, invest in training programs tailored to individual needs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development. By prioritizing training, organizations empower employees, enhance capabilities, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
A fifth common mistake that can lower your team's morale and satisfaction is lack of recognition and reward. This can occur when you don't acknowledge or appreciate your team's efforts, achievements, or contributions, or when you don't offer them any incentives or benefits. To avoid this mistake, you should recognize and reward your team regularly and appropriately, using both formal and informal methods. For example, you can use verbal praise, certificates, bonuses, promotions, or perks to show your gratitude and appreciation. You should also celebrate your team's successes and milestones, and create a positive and supportive culture.
When there is no recognitions from the company to the employees who work for long periods then, operators complaints and even crate a negative mindset to do things the opposite way around, in order to minimise this Common mistakes operators must be treated farely coz they are the key enablers of the production KPIs on the ground, so they Must be recognised by awarding them or promoting them to another stage so he/she feels confident and have responsibilities to take this minimises common human errors on equipments.
Lack of recognition and reward in the workplace can demotivate employees, leading to decreased morale and performance. When employees feel undervalued, job satisfaction declines, making retention challenging. To address this, implement a recognition program, provide regular feedback, and ensure fairness. By prioritizing recognition and reward, organizations can boost morale, enhance satisfaction, and improve retention rates, contributing to greater success and productivity.
Unleaned - Plant Processess Lean management in plant operations aims to eliminate waste, optimize efficiency, and enhance overall productivity. It often results in improved quality, reduced lead times, lower costs, and increased employee engagement. The principles of Lean, such as continuous improvement and value stream mapping, contribute to a more streamlined and responsive plant operational processes.
I would add lack of clear and concise standard procedures and work instructions. Those should be UpToDate and reflect current operation strategy
Employee retention.... Current real world situation is tough.... Going through employees can make or break production. Have a solid plan... Be basic, be empathetic. Its the little things.