Embracing Excellence – A Journey with Vale Oman

As I head home from my second trip to Oman, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful memories and remarkable experiences from these past two weeks. My first visit to Oman filled me with nerves, as I had not traveled much in the Middle East, aside from a trip to Egypt before 9/11. Yet, what I discovered in Oman, particularly with Vale Oman, was an incredible culture marked by kindness, hospitality, and a profound sense of community. It is a place that has left a lasting imprint on my heart.

For those unfamiliar, Vale Oman Pelletizing Company LLC, a subsidiary of the global mining leader Vale, was established in 2007. Vale Oman operates with a deep commitment to improving life and building a sustainable future for all. With a capacity to produce over 9 million metric tons of iron pellets each year, the company plays a crucial role in global industries. Oman’s strategic geographic location—near Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a deepwater port capable of handling large vessels—further strengthens Vale Oman’s ability to distribute over 40 million tons of iron ore annually.

Beyond these impressive figures, what truly stands out about Vale Oman is their commitment to their people and community. While their operations are critical to many industries, Vale Oman invests heavily in local talent and in projects outside of the company, all with the aim of improving life and transforming the future. Their work, while industrial at its core, has far-reaching impacts that benefit Omani society and beyond.

One of the most striking aspects of Vale Oman’s operations is their relentless pursuit of Operational Excellence. For many years, this commitment has been anchored by their Vale Production System (VPS), which emphasizes efficiency, safety, and sustainability. However, they are now embarking on a new phase in their journey—one that aims for the prestigious Shingo Prize for Organizational Excellence. This pursuit represents more than just an award; it is a reflection of a cultural transformation that is happening within the organization, one that focuses on building sustainable systems and practices that enhance both the organization and its people.

What makes this journey feel like a natural progression for Vale Oman is their deeply ingrained dedication to improvement. Every interaction with the team reflects their passion for growth and learning. From senior leadership to front-line employees, there is a collective drive to achieve excellence—not only in production and operations but in leadership and organizational culture.

Leadership and Servant Leadership at Vale Oman

During my time with the team, I was particularly struck by the leadership style at Vale Oman. They exemplify servant leadership at its finest. Vale Oman’s leaders are not just focused on the company’s success but are deeply invested in the growth, development, and well-being of their employees. This type of leadership is crucial in any organization, but particularly in one like Vale Oman, where large-scale operational success depends on the dedication and engagement of every single team member.

A key figure in this journey is Mattar Al Badi, the COO of Vale Oman and the Sponsor of their Shingo Journey. Mattar is a strategic and innovative leader, with over a decade of experience at Vale, advancing through various leadership positions. He oversees operations and business development for the second-largest plant in the company, managing a $150 million budget, $900 million in fixed assets, and 400 employees. His drive for innovation is evident in the way he implements cutting-edge technologies and best practices to enhance productivity and efficiency. What sets Mattar apart is his hands-on approach and coaching skills—he can be found in every workshop, rolling up his sleeves, and working alongside his team.

Over the past two weeks, I had the privilege of working closely with the Vale Oman team through a series of workshops designed to support their ongoing transformation. The first was a System Design Shingo Workshop involving thirty team members. This workshop aimed to foster Systematic Thinking, helping the team draft system maps for their Management Systems, Work Systems, and Improvement Systems. These systems are essential for driving behaviors that align with Vale Oman’s purpose and guiding principles.

The next phase of our work involved a 2nd Discover Excellence Workshop, which was focused on preparing the next wave of leaders for their Organizational Excellence journey. By engaging a broad spectrum of leadership, we helped build momentum and ensured that Vale Oman’s leaders are well-equipped to guide their teams through this transformative journey. This level of involvement, from both established and emerging leaders, will be a key factor in ensuring the sustainability of the improvements they seek.

A Transformative Experience

I am truly inspired by the progress of the Vale Oman team. Their dedication, energy, and openness to embracing change are clear indicators that they are on a path to achieving remarkable growth. It is not often that you see such a strong commitment to excellence permeating every level of an organization, but it is evident here. This journey, while just beginning, promises to be one that will position Vale Oman as a true leader—not just in their industry but as an exemplar of organizational excellence.

Reflections and Takeaways

My time in Oman has been both professionally fulfilling and personally enriching. The warmth and hospitality of the Omani culture, combined with the incredible work being done at Vale Oman, have left me feeling grateful and excited for what lies ahead. Nabhan Al Maawali, Continuous Improvement Exp. Specialist at Vale Oman has become a great partner in this effort, and friend, his team of Continuous Improvement Experts at Vale Oman have been incredible hosts.? I have no doubt that Vale Oman’s journey toward Organizational Excellence will serve as an inspiration for many other organizations on similar paths.

This trip has reaffirmed for me the power of systematic thinking, servant leadership, and the continuous pursuit of excellence—not just in business but in life. Until next time, Oman, thank you for the lessons, the growth, and the unforgettable memories.