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Showing posts with the label WorkplaceSuccess

The "Nice" Problem: Why Non-Performing Plants Love the Wrong Leaders

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Whenever I step into a sick or non-performing plant , I can almost predict what I’ll find— A very good, very nice, very loved person in a higher position. People will say, "He’s such a nice person!" Ask them why? No clear answers. What’s his contribution? No real explanation. But he is loved. In fact, he is the most visited, praised, and admired person in the entire plant. And let me tell you— he really is a genuinely nice human being. But here’s the catch... Why is a Non-Performing Plant’s Most Loved Leader Also the Biggest Problem? The truth is, this "nice" leader is always good for nothing. Why? Because: ❌ He lets people do whatever they want—except their REAL work.  ❌ He keeps everyone happy by never enforcing discipline.  ❌ He avoids conflicts instead of solving problems. ❌ He enjoys being surrounded by people —who love him for allowing inefficiency to flourish. And the plant? It remains sick. How to Identify This "Nice" Leader? ...

Inventory, Breakdown, and Lessons in Plant Maintenance: Reflections - 2nd March, 2025

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More inventory does not always mean better availability of spares. In fact, the more unnecessary inventory you have, the less likely you are to find the exact spare you need when a breakdown happens. This thought crossed my mind when I heard about the breakdown of a bucket elevator gearbox at Sebit, West Pokot plant —a place where I worked for a short time. The plant was shut down for 12 days due to the unavailability of a spare gearbox. Unfortunately, this is a recurring issue there. There was no scientific approach to procurement—just blind purchasing to save their skins. But in reality, no one can escape the consequences of poor planning. And then there’s the bigger issue: it was an old Chinese plant. After running its full life in China and being exploited to the maximum, it was sold to Devki Group, Kenya. Imagine the situation for a mechanical maintenance engineer in a plant like this—no proper manuals, no part lists, and no structured systems. Every day and every night...

A Simple Trick That Can Change Your Life

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Here’s a super simple trick I’ve used that works like magic. Ready? “Just do this: Arrive at your office first. Always.” It’s that simple. No complicated routines, no fancy formulas. But the impact? Miraculous. How Does It Work? 💥 It sets the tone for your entire day. When you start early, you control your day instead of letting it control you. 💥 It builds discipline. You’ll find yourself more focused, more productive, and more organized. 💥 It earns respect. People notice those who are committed and consistent. Trust me, your colleagues, family, and community will admire your dedication. 💥 It boosts confidence. Being ahead gives you a sense of control and purpose that reflects in everything you do—both personally and professionally. Start It. See the Magic. Show up early. Do it consistently. Watch how your personality transforms, how new opportunities open up, and how your growth skyrockets. The best part? Anyone can do it. No special skills required. Simple things create big mirac...