admin Manufacturing industry or manufacturing sector is the backbone of most of the emerging economy around the world. The Government of India aims to increase the share of the manufacturing sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) to 25% by 2022. And this number is almost identical with that of Japan. As per research, the manufacturing industry in the country accounts for about 24% of the country’s GDP. It creates new opportunities and possibilities for investments in infrastructure, machine, and material and of course, men power!
With ample opportunities come ample challenges. Machine challenges can be solved by technical knowhow. However, it needs different set of understanding, knowledge and skills to solve team and individual challenges. Working with workers and influencing their thinking is one of them. Here is a narration about a real time story from a mid size manufacturing company.
You are the owner of 10 million USD. One of the production men, Rubel has come to work drunk. This creates a stir among other workers. It is disclosed later that Rubel had taken around 10 litre of beer last night, which he is splashing all over the place. The department head, Mr D has rushed to the place and escorts Rubel out of workplace. What you would do as the owner? What solution you would suggest, if you are a business consultant? Think and work out your solution, before you read further. Here, I am giving a solution – which you could be interested to try.
You can look for Rubel, put him in your car and take him to his home. Certainly, his wife and family members could be disturbed with his condition. His wife could be panic with the thought of Rubel could lose his job, as Mr Patel (you) is a disciplined owner. You can assure that it would not happen. You would help Rubel at workplace and can ask his wife to help him at home. You can request her to send Rubel at his plant next day. You can hide your identity for a time being. On insistence of his family member, you can reveal your identity in the most humble way.
What you can do at plant (workplace)? Here is the time to show your unfamiliar yet human side. When you go to your plant, speak with his co-workers. Address them in the most empathetic way. Tell them that they have seen something unusual and forgettable in plant’s premises. However, you want them to forget it and to forgive Rubel for his misdeed. Tell them, you want their support to restore Rubel’s confidence and efficiency back. You all can think and give him another chance to prove his credential as a dependable and sincere employee.
Imagine, what could happen? Rubel is back to his routine from the next day and behaves sincerely at workplace. As an owner, you quickly forget the whole incident. Rubel and whole workforce see you in the high regards as a good human being. Nearly eight months have passed after ‘that’ incidence. Few days back, the headquarters of the local union sent some antisocial men to fix the contract for union of your plant. They pressurize you with some unethical and unrealistic demands. They warn you to face consequences, if demands are not fulfilled. You are in dilemma to find solution.
Rubel comes in picture with sudden rush of ‘situational leadership’. He speaks with his fellow colleagues. He convinces them that ‘we don’t want any outsiders/antisocial men to dictate terms with our management. We can do that.’ With his and fellow workforce’s firm and bold approach, the outsider leave your plant. Rubel and union representative negotiate new contract with you in practical yet friendly way. Our narration ends here. Your thinking and logic as a manufacturer starts here.
Don’t you feel, this could be ‘I win and you also win’ approach? By handling Rubel’s case in the human centric way, you have won your workforce’s trust. This enhance trust can improve productivity and reduce attrition rate in the long run. Moreover, it strengthen company’s brand image with each passing day, month and year. Otherwise, you are recruiting new men power and new consultants every year to increase top line and to improve bottom-line of your company. You are investing (or wasting!) thousands of dollars or rupees in brand management and marketing. Any guarantee to get good return on investment? May be or maybe not. Treat your workforce, the way you have handled Rubel and your satisfied workforce will be your brand managers. This is the sound investment you would to do in your real asset – the present and the future of your company.
About the Author
Aankit Kothari
Co-Founder , Thinkmotivia Konsulting, India
Author , ‘Let’s Chase Success’ (Amazon.com)
Management Consultant and Training Facilitator
Aankit earned his graduate and post-graduate degree in engineering from Gujarat University and IIT Kharagpur, respectively. For next 13+ years he worked as a business development professional with top notched companies like LG Electronics, Whirlpool, and Anchor Panasonic, etc. as his esteemed clients. He acquired first hand insight in human behavior and business communication during this tenure.
Aankit and his team is working with SMEs for technical and behavioral training. His immaculate, high energy speaking and presentation style won him various followers across India. He is associated with experiential learning workshop and training field since early 2010s.
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