Stay positive
When it finally comes time to roll out the changes, Miller says you
need to be prepared to be stressed.
“We planned ours during a shutdown to move the equipment
around,” Miller says. “The change for some people may be moving.
You need to do dry runs. Just do it in phases. There is no easy way
on this. This can be as big a decision as deciding to start the business. You’re going to be nervous and you’re not going to sleep.”
As the leader, you should avoid the temptation to be too hands-on in helping your employees. Let the people who are installing the
system or the consultants that you are working with handle the
training.
“Don’t jump in,” Miller says. “You can do it privately and pull the
consultant aside if you have some knowledge on a particular
employee. Hopefully, you’ve already conveyed it.”
When the inevitable glitches occur, stay positive about the
change.
“If you believe in it and it makes sense, it will make sense to others, too,” Miller says.
As things move on, employees will likely settle in to groups divided by those who quickly grasp what you’re doing and those who
take a little more time.
“They’ll kind of separate themselves,” Miller says. “My role is to
be optimistic throughout the whole thing. Make sure no one gets
abused and your employees don’t get put down. Make sure the
consultants aren’t mistreated either. You have to be a referee to
make sure everything is being handled in a professional manner.
That’s what your role is.”
The change of manufacturing systems has helped Graffiti Inc. be
more flexible in its working capacity.
“The system has allowed us to do smaller orders and change
orders,” Miller says. “It’s quicker, faster, and you can ship on time.”
The key to making any change is remembering the balance
between your needs and the needs of your employees.
“You either think of yourself or you think of others,” Miller says.
“Somewhere between the two, you’ll find happiness.”
HOW TO REACH: Graffiti Inc., www.graffiticaps.com or (216) 881-5550
