Kathie Mahoney | Polaris MEP center director
During the pandemic, the manufacturing community has proven again that it is a key resource for driving growth and innovation in our economy. Some wowed us with quick turnarounds to produce personal protective equipment. Others keep essentials such as bread flowing to store shelves.
Here are some tips for manufacturers and all businesses:
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Communicate: As leaders, it is important for us to be present for our employees. We are all going through this together. As much as employees look to leaders for direction and guidance, they also are looking for compassion and confidence that you are navigating the company into the future.
• Be flexible: Recognize we are all experiencing a new way of life that may include being parents, at-home teacher’s aides and employees at any point during a given day. Leaders should try to understand the stress of the unknown and support workers struggling to adapt.
With your business, ask yourself what could be next. How can you use this time to possibly pivot your company or find a new market opportunity?
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Be proactive: There is a manufacturing model for continuous improvement called Plan-Do-Check-Act. COVID-19 showed that many businesses weren’t really planning. They just did what they always had. There is no time like the present to plan for the future.
Look ahead proactively, respond and act with intention rather than simply reacting.
Leaders who do this will be able to build confidence and ensure growth for employees and the company.