I once led a team that was modifying the programming of machines on the shop floor. They were making a change they believed to be expensive and problematic.

When I asked if they asked for the operator’s input, they told me they didn’t think they were allowed.

I told them, of course you’re allowed, let’s go.

We went and talked to the operators and quickly learned new information about the machine that made the change easy.

The next day, a manager was in my office asking why I didn’t go through proper channels. She told me that the next time I was to come to her, she would talk to the operators.

Never let hierarchy get in the way of your team collaborating with others.

For this team, it allowed them to close the gap between inputs and outputs. Talk about an improvement to productivity.

You’ve got this.

Ps… if you didn’t see my posts on productivity, check them out here: