Field Notes

A few years ago I was asked the following question, and was told most adults do not get it right, but most children under the age of 12 do. Here it is: A man and his boy were in a terrible car accident. Both went to the hospital, the man died. The surgeon walked into the operating room to perform surgery on the boy.

BE RELENTLESS ABOUT CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND ELIMINATING WASTE. Regularly reevaluate how you work to find ways to improve and eliminate all types of waste. Don’t be satisfied with the status quo. “Because we’ve always done it that way” is not a reason. Use technology to improve our efficiency, competitiveness, quality, and safety.

BE A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT. Become an expert in your field. Develop a specific product and/or industry expertise. Be the “go to” person that others look to for recommendations and solutions.

USE DATA TO MAKE DECISIONS. Make good decisions by relying on facts and data, rather than opinions. Analyze the data and use this information to make better decisions. If something is important, measure it, track your progress, and improve your performance.

FIND A WAY. Take personal responsibility for making things happen – somehow, someway. Respond to every situation by looking for how we can do it, rather than explaining why it can’t be done. Get creative and follow up everything to see that it gets completed. We get paid for results, not activity.

BE A FANATIC ABOUT RESPONSE TIME. People expect us to respond to their questions and concerns quickly, whether it’s in person, on the phone, or by e-mail. This includes simply acknowledging that we received the question and we’re “on it,” as well as keeping those involved continuously updated on the status of outstanding issues.

Field Fastener is one of the 2016 Best Workplaces in Manufacturing and Production, according to the global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine. This is the second year in a row that Field has made the list.

THINK TEAM FIRST. Consider how your actions impact other team members. Be willing to step into another role or help a co-worker when that’s what’s required for success. Work together and collaborate. There’s nothing we can’t do when we work together!

PRACTICE BLAMELESS PROBLEM-SOLVING. Apply your creativity and enthusiasm to developing solutions, rather than pointing fingers or dwelling on problems. Identify lessons learned and use those lessons to strengthen the team, and to improve ourselves and our processes so we don’t make the same mistake twice. Learn from every experience.

SPEAK CANDIDLY. Speak professionally in a way that moves the action forward. Be willing to ask questions, share ideas, or raise issues that may cause conflict when it’s necessary for team success. Address issues directly with those who are involved or affected.

PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING. Listening is more than simply “not speaking.” Give people your undivided attention, without interrupting. Be present and engaged. Ask questions, suspend your judgment, and be curious to learn more. Listen with care and provide feedback. Above all, listen to understand.

GET CLEAR ON EXPECTATIONS & PURPOSE. What are we doing and why? Create clarity and avoid misunderstandings by discussing expectations upfront. Establish mutually understood objectives and deadlines for all projects, issues, and commitments with both internal and external customers. Ensure activities align with our strategic plan.