Tough Times Ahead

Things are looking gloomy for my company as it has been facing financial woes since last year. In view of the economic crisis and looming recession, it's hard to say whether my company would survive this critical factor. That said, many manufacturing sectors are affected and going downhill too.

Last week we were informed that there will be a staggering number of employees who will be likely to be laid off. I might be on the list. How utterly sad, it's unbelievable.

The way I look at it, the retrenchment might most likely hit the workers who have attained the age of 55 years and above or highly paid employees. There was a hue and cry at my workplace when my company announced this heart wrenching news. Everyone fears of losing their jobs if the country’s economy appears to be looking bleak.

Nevertheless, it's up to the company to decide whom they wish to retrench. Somehow, I don't have the courage to face the uncertainties ahead. I'm not sure if I can get another job if I were laid off but god willing, I hope that I'll survive this fall. At a time like this, I guess I must take a closer look at how I deal with my careless spending on items I don't need. Times have changed, no thanks to the economic downturn.

I guess life can't exactly be a bed of roses, things move on and nothing stays the same. So we'll see, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The Goal, A Process of Ongoing Improvement

I have just completed reading the book The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement. This is one of the greatest books that I have read. The book is an enjoyable easy read. I felt like reading a novel rather than a management book and I just couldn't put it down.

It's a truly inspiring book which is about the principles of manufacturing. It's generally about people trying to understand what makes their world a better place so that they can make life more fulfilling.

The main character is Alex Rogo, a plant manager who is struggling to improve his mounting manufacturing plant problems. His factory is rapidly heading for disaster and his marriage is on the rocks due to his long work hours. He has 3 months to save his plant or face closure. It takes a chance encountering with a physics professor from student days-Jonah (Goldratt himself)-to help him break out of conventional ways of thinking to see what needs to be done. These cascade somehow turn into answers that help Alex and his team of managers to transform the plant from the biggest loser in the company to the most profitable one.

The intriguing story is full of twists and turns. This book teaches on how to resolve matters when in need to improve processes, problem solving and managing work-life balance.

I'd highly recommend this book especially to all who are working in a manufacturing environment.