Operational excellence, at its core, is about reaching peak performance in every aspect of an organization. It is an ongoing journey of improvement, innovation, and surpassing expectations. We recently welcomed guest Rick Taborda from RDJ Bakeries on the Accelerating Operational Performance podcast to speak about his experiences, and he shares valuable insights on leadership and operational excellence.
Rick’s journey to CEO of a global cracker manufacturing company offers a unique perspective on operational excellence. His path has allowed him to develop a unique leadership style, one that is deeply rooted in his personal values and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding people, fostering a sense of community, and leading with conviction. You can watch the episode here or listen to it here.
“We’ve grown 900% and we’ve gone from 50 people to 1001 in nine years.”
Navigating the Waters of Growth and Change
RDJ Bakeries has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, expanding from a modest team of 50 to over 1,000 employees. This rapid expansion has presented its own set of challenges, particularly in maintaining alignment and cohesion across different departments and teams.
Rick’s approach to navigating these challenges is rooted in his concept of “fluid and ice.” He believes that organizations need to be both fluid and structured, adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining a clear sense of direction.
This concept is reflected in RDJ Bakeries’ organizational structure, which allows for both flexibility and stability. Teams are empowered to make decisions and adapt to changing needs, while also adhering to clear guidelines and processes.
“I made this up; you’ve got to be water and ice. Going into a water state, being fluid and adaptable, and then bringing it back into ice, the ice part is knowing your role and staying within it.”
Key Insight: Rick’s “fluid and ice” concept highlights the importance of balancing adaptability and structure within an organization.
Strategy: Achieve this balance by empowering teams to make decisions and adapt to changing needs while adhering to clear guidelines and processes.
Impact: This approach enables the company to navigate rapid growth and maintain alignment across different departments and teams.
Fostering a Positive and Communicative Work Environment
Rick firmly believes that people are the heart and soul of any manufacturing operation. While technology and equipment play vital roles, it is the human element that truly drives operational excellence. Building strong relationships, fostering open communication, and empowering employees are essential ingredients in his recipe for success.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and respected. When individuals feel like they are an integral part of the team, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to achieving operational excellence.
Open communication is also prioritized, creating a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions. This open flow of communication allows for valuable insights to be shared, leading to better decision-making and improved processes. When leaders communicate clearly, they ensure that everyone is on the same page, working towards common goals, and aligned in their efforts.
It is important to relay information in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. This means avoiding jargon, using clear and concise language, and providing specific instructions. When everyone understands what is expected of them, they are more likely to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently.
Active listening is another crucial element. Leaders need to be able to truly hear and understand what their employees are saying. This means paying attention, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback. Active listening builds trust and rapport, which are essential for effective communication.
Key Insight: A positive and communicative work environment is crucial for achieving operational excellence.
Strategy: Build strong relationships, foster open communication, and empower employees to create a supportive atmosphere, prioritizing clear and actionable communication, and practicing active listening.
Impact: This approach leads to increased engagement, motivation, and alignment among team members, ultimately driving operational success.
The Importance of Alignment in Operational Excellence
Alignment encompasses the synergy between people, processes, and technology, ensuring they work in harmony to achieve shared goals. Effective leadership plays a crucial role in creating this alignment by fostering a shared understanding and vision among team members. When everyone is on the same page, pulling in the same direction, the organization becomes in sync, capable of achieving remarkable feats.
Rick reiterates the importance of clear communication in achieving alignment. By ensuring that information flows seamlessly throughout the organization, leaders can prevent misunderstandings, reduce errors, and promote a sense of unity. When everyone understands the overarching goals and their individual roles in achieving them, the organization becomes a cohesive force.
Alignment also requires a willingness to adapt and change. Organizations must be agile and responsive to stay ahead of the curve. Leaders must be able to identify when adjustments are needed and communicate these changes effectively to their teams. This flexibility and adaptability are essential for maintaining alignment.
Key Insight: Alignment is essential for operational excellence, ensuring that people, processes, and technology work together in harmony.
Strategy: Leaders can achieve alignment through clear communication, fostering a shared understanding of goals, and promoting adaptability to change.
Impact: When everyone is aligned, the organization becomes a cohesive force, capable of achieving remarkable feats and navigating challenges effectively.
Leadership and Operational Performance
Rick’s approach to leadership is refreshingly simple yet profound. He believes that leadership is not about self-promotion or personal gain, but rather about serving others and empowering them to succeed.
“It’s almost like they forgot that it’s not about the self; it’s about the others.”
This philosophy of servant leadership is deeply ingrained in RDJ Bakeries’ culture and is reflected in the way Rick interacts with his team. He views his role as a leader, not as a director, but as a teacher and facilitator, guiding his team towards a shared vision.
Leadership is about recognizing and nurturing the potential in others, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. A leader’s success is measured by the success of their team. A commitment to servant leadership fosters a culture of collaboration, support, and shared success, which undoubtedly contributes to remarkable growth and operational excellence within organizations.
Key Insight: Rick’s approach to leadership emphasizes servant leadership, prioritizing the needs of others and empowering them to succeed.
Strategy: View your role as a leader, not as a director, but as a teacher and facilitator.
Impact: This philosophy fosters a culture of collaboration, support, and shared success.
Embracing Diversity and Generational Differences
RDJ Bakeries boasts a diverse workforce, spanning a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Rick states that this diversity is a strength, bringing a variety of perspectives and experiences to the table.
He acknowledges that different generations may have different needs and expectations, but he also believes that generational labels are less important than the fundamental human instinct that connects us all. It is important to find common ground and build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Rick actively promotes a culture of inclusivity, where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their age or background.
He believes that this not only creates a more harmonious work environment but also enhances the company’s ability to innovate and adapt to change. By valuing diversity and fostering understanding, Rick has created a company culture that is both resilient and dynamic, capable of navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing marketplace.
Key Insight: Diversity is a strength that brings a variety of perspectives and experiences to the organization.
Strategy: Build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, despite differing needs and expectations among generations.
Impact: This approach fosters a more inclusive and collaborative work environment, where everyone feels valued and respected.
The Power of Teaching and Continuous Learning
Rick’s emphasis on teaching and continuous learning is evident in his approach to leadership and organizational development. He believes that the best leaders are also the best teachers, capable of communicating their vision and inspiring others to learn and grow.
“Everyone says leader. And I think what’s more important than being a leader is to be a good teacher.”
This commitment to continuous learning is embedded in RDJ Bakeries’ culture, with ongoing training and development programs designed to empower employees at all levels. Rick believes that teaching is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about empowering individuals to apply that knowledge and contribute to the organization’s success. He sees a direct correlation between effective teaching and operational excellence, as it fosters a culture of growth, development, and shared knowledge.
Rick’s own leadership style reflects this emphasis on teaching. He takes the time to explain the “why” behind decisions, ensuring that his team understands the reasoning and can apply it in their own roles. This approach not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the organization as a whole, creating a more engaged and informed workforce.
Key Insight: The best leaders are also the best teachers, capable of communicating their vision and inspiring others to learn and grow.
Strategy: Embed continuous learning into your culture through ongoing training and development programs designed to empower employees at all levels.
Impact: This commitment to continuous learning fosters a culture of growth, development, and shared knowledge, contributing to the company’s operational excellence.
Baking Up a Recipe for Operational Success
While operational excellence may seem like an elusive goal, it is ultimately a journey of continuous improvement. Rick’s journey and insights offer a compelling perspective and demonstrates that it is not just about processes and systems, but also about people, leadership, and adaptability.
By fostering a culture of servant leadership, embracing diversity, and promoting continuous learning, RDJ Bakeries has achieved remarkable success, proving that operational excellence is not just a goal, but an ongoing journey.
As you reflect on your own journey toward operational excellence, consider the lessons learned from Rick’s experiences. Remember that leadership is about serving others, adaptability is key to navigating change, and continuous learning is essential for growth and success.
By incorporating these principles into your own leadership style and organizational culture, you can bake up your own recipe for operational success.
Did you enjoy this blog?
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Chris Taylor: Driving Behavior Change with the Actionable Platform
