 By Gus Victoria General Manager, Bud’s Machine Tools The greatest resource any business has is its people. A fab shop might purchase the best machine that money can buy, but without skilled and dedicated employees to operate that machine and perform supplemental functions, the machine amounts to little more than a gigantic paperweight. While too many modern companies tend to treat employees as consumable assets that are easily replaced, the truth is that far too much time and money is lost every time a business hires and trains new staff members to replace those who have left. One of the key components of a successful business is to cross train every capable employee to perform any task necessary to move the company forward. Far too many times we see tribal knowledge get in the way of running a business because only one person knows how to run a specific machine or do a job in the organization. Listen to your employees—they want the best for the company—and never simply dismiss a new idea that’s brought up. I have seen many times the wrong machines getting ordered because management didn’t talk to the guys in the shop, and they order a very expensive machine with all the bells and whistles that will not be used the way is supposed to by the employees. |
Another good practice is to make the employees “own” certain decisions in the company. When an individual has a sense of ownership in any organization, they will be more than happy to work harder to accomplish the goal. I have found over the years that having clear expectations, goals, directions, and a sense of purpose will help you manage any business much better than if you leave everything to individual interpretation. Be clear on the way you communicate with your customers and employees, letting them know—and making sure they understand—what is expected of them, as well as the consequences for not doing what was discussed. An important thing to remember is to give every employee the tools they need to get the job done, since that is your main objective as a manager and/or owner. Not just the fabricating tools they physically need but also knowledge and a safe place to voice their concerns and opinions. When it comes to buying equipment, talk to people that know the machines, and explain the job that you will be doing. Be sure to choose someone with the appropriate knowledge and experience so they can understand the challenges that you will be facing with your parts and your processes. One last thing: keep learning! As a manager, leader, or owner you owe it to yourself and to the people working with you. These days we have so many ways to learn and become better at what we do, so never stop learning! |