An incredible turnout of managers gathered for a discussion on Supervisor Skills and Competencies.  We had a great mix of manufacturing roles and sectors to discuss challenges in ensuring that the supervisors that are in place are the right people for the position and when given that task, to be sure that they then have the necessary skills and training to succeed. 

We started off this session with a great overview of Almag Aluminum by Bob Peacock and Mike Taverner.  They outlined their capacities and how they have been able to succeed for over 50 years in such a tough marketplace.  The group was then led on a tour of the facility where we witnessed the extrusion, stretching and 'cooking' of aluminum to meet the needs of their customers.  Almag Aluminum has a very engaged workforce that is constantly offering up new continuous improvement ideas.

When we re-convened back for roundtable discussion on the topic of the day, we went around the horn to learn about what challenges a supervisor might experience:

• It was noted that many floor supervisors need to set direction - not take direction
• The challlenge that supervisors face where they have to be a "boss" to "friends"
• Some supervisors have a tough time taking their "hands of the wheel" - instead of instructing someone on how to complete a task they can tend to do it themselves to avoid confrontation
• new supervisors often have a tough time delegating
• ensuring that supervisors are given the time to receive the needed skills to succeed
• development of people skills - it is often an overlooked skill when most focus is production knowledge
• supervisors are asked to be motivators for those on the shop floor but may not know how
• communication can often be poor
• supervisors are asked to implement change
• when hiring from outside the company, there is time needed for that person to understand the company procedures and culture
• often promoted because they were the best worker putting out the most product
• when these people are 'rewarded' with a promotion the result can often be a drop in productivity because the best producer was removed

Some ideas that are used in some facilities with success:

• using the Myers-Briggs Personality assessment to make sure that you identify the right people for the job -that they have the instinctive skills
• management review of High Potential List that helps to have a list of internal people that you can plug in when needed
• implement a formal mentor program so that potential supervisors are groomed
• have candidates complete an abilities pre-test
• ensure that you have clearly defined job descriptions
• have teamwork events to build and sustain a healthy culture
• use formal training such as Lean Supervisor to introduce your key individuals to the concepts and tools that will help make them successful now and in the future

This is a sign that is posted in many locations at Almag Aluminum to outline their Leadership expectations.  As you will note this was actually compiled by the employees!

Everyone took away some new ideas to identify the right future supervisors and strategies to ensure that the folks they put in place will have the necessary tools available to them to succeed.  This was a great example of brainstorming!

The 2nd morning session focused on Preventing & Managing MSDs in the Workplace.  We were treated to an excellent presentation by Trevor Hawksby of CBI Health Group who reviewed:

•  how to recognize MSD Hazards
•  how to conduct an MSD Risk Assessment
•  choose and implement MSD Hazard Control
• Follow up and evaluate success of implemented control
• the need to communicate results and and acknowledge success 

Trevor reminded us that WSIB is continuing its work towards zero incidents in order to minimize the amount of lost time and dealing with RTW challenges, thus minimizing the costs associated with workplace MSDs.

This SIG format was developed after many members indicated the wish to have workshops along with their networking in order to bring new skills and procedure development tools back to their workplace.  The full presentation can be accessed in the Brampton/Orangeville/Caledon consortia page or clicking here.

I have enjoyed getting to know the members in this consortium and we have benefitted from some new regional membership growth in 2009!  Another welcome aboard to new members this year - ABB Robotics, Peelle Door, Howell Pipe & Supply, Ivers-Lee Packaging, Shepherd Thermoforming & Packaging, Moulding & Millwork and Senior Flexonics!  We looking forward to visiting your facilities and learning about the great things that you are doing in 2010.  As well, thanks to the rest of the great members in Brampton, Orangeville and Bolton!  We are all benefitting from the health of knowledge and expertise in the region and you are all successful because you have the desire to learn from each other. 

I look forward to some more great benchmarking in 2010!  Until we meet again...have a memorable holiday season!

Tim