An advanced training project for our production managers

In today's working environment, technology is rapidly evolving. Those in management roles need to adapt and develop skills and tools to lead their teams more effectively.

Last year, the Human Resources department of the Lafert Group launched a project involving 18 production managers, including two plant managers. The project was entrusted to an external training institution, Adecco, which, in collaboration with the human resources team, provided the participants with the support and skills necessary to improve their professionalism and that of the teams.

"Our business model is based on manufacturing activity which employs the majority of our workforce. Performance is constantly monitored based on production numbers and therefore easily quantifiable. However, the focus on numerical results can distract us from the pressures and challenges that production teams face both as a group and individually." - Zinajda Aliaj, HR Manager of the Lafert Group.

To solve this problem, we started a 360-degree review process that allowed, with the help of a specialized psychologist, a complete evaluation of each individual's performance, also considering the contributions of colleagues and their point of view.

Tools for managing tasks both as individuals and as a team

The group was initially involved in group lessons during which everyone had the opportunity to share their experiences, moments of difficulty, emergencies, and changes that they face on a daily basis. Participants realized that they are not the only ones facing these challenges and that many of these issues can be solved as a team. Zinajda Aliaj explains the purpose of this project and the results achieved both for individuals and for the company as a whole: "Sometimes those who have technical knowledge are not also good team leaders with the right skills to manage other people. The entire process aimed to provide the appropriate support tools to manage the different situations, individually and as a department".

A key element in people management is communication. Communicating and giving feedback to your employees is not a common practice in today's world of work. That's why we've dedicated a lesson to how to communicate with people in different situations and with different personalities.

Catching opportunities for the present and the future

The managers participating in the course were provided with the appropriate tools to identify their strengths and weaknesses and explore their opportunities for improvement and development.

"The training was very useful, the participants assimilated the communication techniques and integrated them into their daily work. This project has helped them to better manage their teams and cope with difficult situations. Although some participants initially found the process challenging, they expressed interest in continuing to develop their skills. The project will continue with the current production and plant managers and will be extended to other areas of the company." – Zinajda.