The year 2023 proved to be a tough one for manufacturers, and almost half way into 2024 suggests the industry continues to face similarly challenging conditions such as skills shortage, management skills gaps and cross functional departmental synergy to name a few. To navigate these difficulties, modern manufacturers must scrutinize their processes, supply chains, and communication levels across operations to identify dysfunctions and implement necessary changes.

Leveraging the 5 Dysfunctions Model

The 5 Dysfunctions Model by Patrick Lencioni offers a framework to address these challenges: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. Heléne Smuts, an expert in Behavioral Psychology and Founder of Credo Growth, recently conducted training for a global automotive manufacturing company.

The training revealed issues such as cultural background differences, reluctance to provide feedback to avoid hurting feelings, and fear of engaging in tough conversations. These issues often lead teams to form cliques and operate in silos, fostering a culture of blame. Such dynamics underscore the need for high-functioning teams in manufacturing, where team synergy and productivity are crucial.

Building a Feedback Culture

Smuts’ intervention involved coaching teams to recognize and cultivate behaviors that foster a culture of feedback. This process included methods to ensure team members feel heard, learning the skill of giving and receiving feedback, engaging in self-reflection on the five dysfunctions, and practicing these behaviors consistently over three months. The training concluded with a refresher session and additional team skills training to enhance efficiency. Such efforts significantly alleviate tensions caused by ever-changing threats and new developments, thereby boosting overall operational efficiency

Enhancing Visibility and Communication

Implementing these tools and solutions not only offers increased visibility into processes but also improves communication between different departments. By addressing dysfunctions and fostering a collaborative environment, modern manufacturers can better adapt to challenging conditions and enhance their operational performance.