Oct 16 • Dr Shubhrangshu Barman Roy

Mentoring a Young Team in Manufacturing: A High-Octane “Sixer” for fast tracking their Growth (and Yours!)

Welcome to the front lines of modern manufacturing, where as a senior manager, you're not just running a facility; you're shaping the future. Your troops? A vibrant team of young professionals, each a bundle of potential, energy, and, yes, occasionally, confusion. As a senior manager , your role isn't just to oversee operations; it's to whip a team of greenhorns into shape, transforming them from wide-eyed novices into lean, mean, manufacturing minds. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves transforming these rookies into industry titans, and here's the kicker – you've got to do it with a blend of iron-fisted leadership and a razor-sharp wit. And let's be honest, if you can't find the humour in the pandemonium of a busy factory floor, maybe it's time to switch careers.

Step 1: Taming the Chaos - With Style and Swagger
Picture this: your team is a motley crew, more at ease with the latest social media trends than the nitty-gritty of manufacturing. Your first task? To channel this whirlwind of energy into productivity. How? By blending hardcore manufacturing know-how with a dash of humor. First things first, accept that your team is young, inexperienced, and probably more familiar with TikTok trends than the intricacies of supply chain management. Your role is to take this raw energy and channel it into productivity. Start with the basics: Think of it as 'Edutainment' – educating with a hint of entertainment. Teach them the difference between a CNC machine and a coffee maker in a way that sticks – perhaps with a mock awards ceremony for the 'Best Screw-Up of the Month'. Maybe throw in a pop quiz with a twist - losers buy donuts for the team.

Step 2: Lead by Fearless Example (and a Bit of Sarcasm)- Beyond the Glass Office

Show them how it's done, but don't just be a figure barking orders from the safety of your glass office. Get your hands dirty. Jump onto the production floor, operate the machinery (safely, of course), and show them that the boss knows more than just how to schedule meetings. Don't be the shadowy figure behind the glass pane. Be the leader who's in the trenches with the team. Show them how to work the machines, dissect a process, and do it all with a flair that says, "I've seen it all, and I've survived". When things go south, and they will, don't just point fingers. Crack a joke, share a laugh, and then steer the ship back on course. A leader who can laugh in the face of adversity is a leader worth following.

Step 3: Cultivating Curiosity and Resilience- Power of Why?

Young minds are curious. They'll bombard you with 'whys' and 'hows.' Use this to your advantage and welcome this. Encourage a culture where 'why' and 'how' are not just tolerated but celebrated. Set up brainteasers, hypothetical scenarios, and problem-solving sessions that stretch their thinking. It's not just about finding answers; it's about cultivating a resilient, problem-solving mindset. Create scenarios where they must think on their feet. It's like a game of intellectual ping-pong - they serve a problem; you smash back a challenge. Remember, a team that's not afraid to ask tough questions is a team that's always growing.

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Step 4: The Art of Feedback – Feedback Sandwiches, served daily

Feedback is your most powerful tool – if used correctly. Feedback is your secret weapon. But here's the twist: serve it as a sandwich. Start with something positive (because everyone likes a little ego boost), then hit them with the constructive criticism (the meat of the matter), and end on a positive note (to avoid any bitter aftertaste). The trick is in the delivery. But here's where you add your twist – a dash of humor, a sprinkle of sarcasm, just enough to keep the mood light but the message clear. It's about building them up, not breaking them down.

Step 5: From Triumphs to Trials – A Shared Journey
When your team nails it, celebrate like you've just won the manufacturing World Cup. Celebrate every success, no matter how small. Bring in pizza, give shoutouts, make a big deal out of it. But when things go awry, as they inevitably do, treat those moments as opportunities for communal learning, not for finger-pointing. Laugh it off. Turn mistakes into learning opportunities, not blame games. Remember, a team that can laugh together is a team that can work together. Share stories of your own early blunders (perhaps embellished for effect) to show them that mistakes are merely stepping stones on the path to success.

Step 6: Selfish Altruism – The Path to Your Promotion Finally, let's not forget the endgame - your promotion. Here's a little secret: by empowering your team, you're setting the stage for your own advancement. It's a symbiotic relationship. The better they perform, the better you look. Train them to be so efficient, so self-sufficient, that your superiors can't help but notice. You're not just building a team; you're building your legacy. When it's time for promotions and when the higher-ups notice how replaceable you've made yourself you'll be the obvious choice – the leader who built a powerhouse team. Train them so well that they can run the show without you. Then, that corner office with the fancy coffee machine is as good as yours.

Conclusion: A Little Humor, A Lot of Wisdom
In conclusion, mentoring a young team in the dynamic world of manufacturing is no small feat. It requires a delicate balance of stern guidance, strategic teaching, and a healthy dose of humour. Your goal is to create a team that's not just skilled but also resilient, adaptable, and, importantly, able to find joy in their work. As you guide them through the trials and triumphs of the manufacturing world, remember that your journey is intertwined with theirs. Your success is a reflection of their growth, and together, you're not just hitting targets – you're setting new industry standards. So embrace the chaos, lead with conviction, and never lose your sense of humour. To sum up, guiding a young team in manufacturing is an art form. It's about being a strict mentor, an insightful teacher, and a sly joker. Keep them on their toes, keep them laughing, and most importantly, keep pushing them (and yourself) towards greater heights. After all, the journey to the top is always more enjoyable with a few laughs along the way. Top of Form