A CEO’S 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
The Power of Teamwork At Pre-Met During Global Economic Downturn
To kick off the festive season, I have put together the 12 days of Christmas from the Pre-Met CEO’s point of view. Obviously lighthearted but beneath the humour belies a team spirit that has helped us thrive during difficult economic times.
In the face of economic downturns, engineering companies face unique challenges that require innovative solutions. One of the key factors that can make a significant difference during these tough times is effective teamwork. In this final blog for 2023, we examine why teamwork is the solution and explore the Kaizen philosophy.
A CEO's 12 days of Christmas?
On the first day of Christmas, my FD gave to me a budget that balanced the books.
On the second day of Christmas, my IT gave to me 2-factor authentication.
On the third day of Christmas, my QC gave to me 3 closed NCRS.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my Board gave to me a heartfelt thanks for each quarter's results.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my Sales Team gave to me 5 juicy orders.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my VA Office gave to me a 20% reduction in business rates within 6 weeks of our claim.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my Customer gave to me commendations for 7 months' shipments OTIF.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my HR gave to me 8 MHA certificate passes.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my Advisor gave to me 9 business offers of interest.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my OPS team gave to me 10 accident-free months.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my Plant Team gave to me 11 smiley faces as I walked the facility.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my Auditor gave to me 12 golden ticks.
Embracing Continuous Improvement
The Kaizen approach favoured by Pre-Met prioritises continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations. By fostering a culture of constant evaluation and refinement among the team, we can identify and address inefficiencies, reduce waste, and optimise processes. This team commitment to improvement fosters a sense of shared purpose and motivates our employees to work together towards common goals.
Business management expert
Peter Drucker once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Proactive and continuous improvement are the building blocks of success for Pre-Met.
Collaboration & Collective Responsibility To Build Resilience
During the global economic downturn, the Pre-Met team has adapted to changing circumstances quickly by fostering a culture of collaboration. Pre-Met ensures that each team member contributes their expertise to tackle complex problems. This collaborative approach helps the company become more resilient and adaptable during challenging times.
Kaizen places a strong emphasis on involving employees from all levels of the organisation in decision-making and problem-solving. By giving the team the autonomy to contribute ideas, we have fostered a sense of collective responsibility. According to
Professor Masaaki Imai, a leading authority on Kaizen philosophy, "The greater the involvement, the more likely that ideas will be accepted and implemented."
Effective Communication for Enhanced Productivity
Clear and effective communication is crucial in any Pre-Met project. In times of economic uncertainty, it is even more essential. Pre-Met promotes open lines of communication and ensures that team members are well-informed about changes in market conditions, customer demands, and organisational strategies. This helps us to make informed decisions promptly, enhancing productivity and maintaining competitive advantage.
Leveraging Diverse Skill Sets
Pre-Met leverages diverse skill sets and perspectives from our team which are critical during economic downturns. Each of our team members brings unique strengths and experiences to the table. Pre-Met fosters an inclusive environment that values diverse viewpoints which optimises the potential for innovation in finding solutions.
Cultivating a Learning Culture
Hand in hand with diverse skill sets is developing a learning mindset for adapting and thriving in challenging economic times. Pre-Met has invested in the growth and skill enhancement of our team by providing training opportunities. We strongly believe in promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement which is fundamental to the Kaizen approach.
Engineering expert Dr. W. Edwards Deming states that, "Learning is not compulsory... neither is survival." A learning mindset is crucial to adapt and thrive in challenging times.
Data-Driven Decisions
As Peter Drucker once said, "What gets measured gets improved." Data and metrics are key tools to drive continuous improvement. A Kaizen approach encourages a data-driven approach to decision-making. By collecting and analysing relevant data, Pre-Met Engineering has gained insights into areas that require improvement, identified trends, and made informed decisions. This approach promotes transparency, accountability, and collaboration among team members.
Business management expert Jim Rohn stated, "Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals." Data and metrics as essential tools to drive success and achieve continuous improvement.
Summary
In times of economic uncertainty, the strength of teamwork becomes even more critical for all engineering companies. Pre-Met Engineering exemplifies the importance of collaboration, communication, and leveraging diverse skill sets to navigate challenging times.. By fostering a culture of teamwork, the company not only enhances productivity and innovation but also maintains employee morale and resilience. As we look to the future, it is clear that teamwork will continue to be a driving force in 2024 and beyond!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year!
