Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/601893
8 | November - December 2015 | www.machinerylubrication.com Knowing the expected roadblocks and being proactive in generating solutions for them when they arise can be extremely valu- able and will increase the likelihood of the program's success. Prioritize Project Phases These programs consume time, money and energy. Understanding where the biggest bang for your buck is and being able to prioritize are important qualities of a champion. Relay Updates Communication plays a vital role in a program's success. Keeping the stake- holders well-informed will allow the program implementation to progress much more smoothly. Allocate Resources There is nothing more detrimental to a project than having the will and want with no resources. These resources are typically related to time, money or energy. If they are not carefully planned, scoped and allo- cated, the program will find an early demise. TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL CHAMPION Having met a number of champions over the years, I have found that they are incred- ible people who possess a variety of common traits, including the following: Understanding of Tribology and Reliability This subject matter takes years to master, and the sheer volume of material requires a champion to be passionate enough to want to continually learn. Excellent Communication Being able to bridge the gap in commu- nication between upper management and plant-floor operations is a tough skill to learn. A champion should understand each group's needs and wants as well as have the ability to speak to both in terms of what's important to them. Organized Just as a train conductor must keep all the trains running on time, a champion must be able to juggle multiple projects within the program, making sure that effi- ciency is kept high and waste is minimized. Motivational Gaining buy-in is a major contributor to program success. Knowing how to most effectively motivate team members on both sides of the operation (management and skilled labor) is a critical role of a champion. Negotiation As with most things in life, there is always a trade-off. Being able to under- stand the trade-off and negotiate the best possible outcome for the company can be a valuable trait for a champion. Problem-solving There will be many obstacles on the path to program success. Possessing the ability and resourcefulness to navigate these obsta- cles is rare because the obstacles are often broad in scope. They may range from engi- neering problems to the culture or personnel. FROM THE FIELD 49% of lubrication programs have a true champion, according to a recent survey at MachineryLubrication.com FROM THE FIELD