"Do you realize the sacrifice you need to be willing to make to be a leader?"
That's what Micah Salvetti, Departmental Manager Health and Safety at CHI Nucor asked when we first met him.
"Judgement is quick and it's harsh. And it's often impossible to get back," Salvetti continued. "You are going to sacrifice more than you can ever imagine. It's a tremendous sacrifice. But, it's all worth it you you really want to be a leader."
Salvetti has spent 20 years in operational leadership, beginning in the USMC, then working through several industrial settings.
At CHI Nucor in Arthur, Salvetti is in charge of Health and Safety, implementing the 5S method in all areas of the operation.
"Discipline is one of the most difficult things to instill in teammates," Salvetti says, "But, if a teammate understands the 'why'..." That's when things get good.
So, we learned the 'why' behind 5S:
- Sort
- Set in order
- Shine
- Standardize
- Sustainment
Safety and organization are important to CHI Nucor, through all levels of the hierarchy. Nucor is America's greatest recycler, and emphasizes respect for people and things, quality control, and making informed decisions using KPIs (key performance indicators).
Salvetti taught us that there are 5 things an organization needs to be good at:
1. Safety
2. Quality
3. Delivery
4. Cost
5. Productivity
Implementing 5S throughout the plants delivers the 5S Quality Dividend.
"Discipline: What's important? Where do you want to focus your efforts?" That's the whole point, according to Salvetti.
Salvetti also had practical advice for us as we navigate our futures:
- You can "potentially find yourself the youngest person in the room and people will challenge you." Take as many classes in human behavior as you can.
- "Be coachable. Be approachable."
- "If you think you've arrived, you haven't. That ego? Check it."
And possibly the most important thing for future leaders: "Please remember, wherever you go, there's a teammate that knows a heck of a lot more than you."
Thank you, Micah Salvetti and CHI Nucor, for taking time out of your busy day to share your experience with us. This is how we learn in the CEO program.
