How do I sell 5s to middle management?

[dtxwizard]

So here's the deal i was hired as a janitor at a manufacturing plant as part of thier 5s start up (somewhere they got the total wrong concept) any how i having worked in a 5s plant before they figured i'm the guy to head up 5s

so after some formal training its time to implement

the problem is the production supervisor and floor supervisors see no need for it (even though production is down about 50% from what it was 5 years ago) 2 of the key supervisors have been on the job for 20 plus years

they have attended an in plant 5s seminar

so the question is
how do i sell middle management 5s

on the funny side i have seen the first shift supervisor spend 1 hr 45 min. Looking for shipping containers

any and all advice is greatly welcomed

thanks da wiz

[Randy]

Based upon what you are saying it's not really "your" problem, it's theirs and whoever decided to put you into this predicament.

If the owner or whatever has decided that 5S is the way to go then the managing authority has to act upon his/her minnions defiance to authority.

You do what you are required to do and make the relevant information available to whoever it is that you report to for 5S as to the lack of action, concern or flat out don't-give-a-s4it attitude you are experiencing.

Of course it's easier for me to say than for you to do. Good luck.

[Helmut Jilling]

[quote=dtxwizard]

the problem is the production supervisor and floor supervisors see no need for it (even though production is down about 50% from what it was 5 years ago) 2 of the key supervisors have been on the job for 20 plus years

At that rate, a couple more years and it won't be needed...

so the question is
how do i sell middle management 5s

It saves time looking for things. It saves money, because we don't waste time. It makes a lot of customers have a better view of the company. It may make employees happier, because they can find stuff. These things may cause sales to go back up.

Also, if you can, begin with people that do like the idea. Have some success there before you tackle the difficult guys.

Lastly, as Randy said, you can report it to top management.

on the funny side i have seen the first shift supervisor spend 1 hr 45 min. Looking for shipping containers

As I said, it saves time and money...

[Claes Gefvenberg]

I agree with what has been said so far, and have a few comments of my own.

Originally Posted by dtxwizard

the problem is the production supervisor and floor supervisors see no need for it (even though production is down about 50% from what it was 5 years ago) 2 of the key supervisors have been on the job for 20 plus years

You may as well consider them to be blind, then. 20 years is a long time, and many stop taking in what they see much sooner than that. So, they need an eye opener. What have you done thus far to make them "see the light"?

You can also expect them to feel threatened. You are after all invading their turf. I think you need to ask for their help... Ask them for ideas, get them involved: You have been here for many years, how would you...? You know the drill. If it's "their" ideas things may work out fine. Have a look in the thread Project Sweden - Teaching Lean - A Diary where asutherland ran into similar problems trying to get a lean project going.

Originally Posted by dtxwizard

on the funny side i have seen the first shift supervisor spend 1 hr 45 min. Looking for shipping containers

Further proof of blindness...

/Claes

[RCBeyette]

I don't know what your organization's safety record is like, but 5S could be linked into that, as well. When everything is put back in its place - meaning no hoses to trip over, etc. - and messes cleaned up - meaning oil/grease puddles, etc. - safety and morale can be improved. You could try that tie-in for support as well.

I really like Claes' idea to get them involved...make them part of the team for implementing the system. We had people like that, as well, and they were "voluntold" to help out...they're really strong advocates of the program now. It didn't happen over night, though.

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Originally Posted by RCBeyette

...they were "voluntold" to help out...

Volount...? LMAO Good one Roxy

/Claes

[Cari Spears]

Our building is super clean and organized because the owner wants it that way. If you want to see him go right through the roof, drop a cigarette butt on the floor.

[RCBeyette]

Originally Posted by Claes Gefvenberg

Volount...? LMAO Good one Roxy

/Claes

Thanks...I was recently voluntold to be a Captain of a Safety Hour team. My hour starts in 30 minutes. Got my uniform on and hair secured...in fact, I've dubbed myself "Heidi in a Hard Hat!"