What does it take to lead a facility team with purpose, precision, and heart?
Eric Schneider is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing and facility management. He shares his approach to solving complex problems through lean Kaizen methods, including the Five S methodology and the use of Maintenance Action Forms (MAFs) to prioritize and track facility issues.
But for Eric, it's not just about process—it's about people. He emphasizes the value of a caring, safety-conscious team and the critical role human connection plays in continuous improvement. From his early days in quality engineering to his current leadership in facility management, Eric reflects on the lessons he’s learned across his career.
He also opens up about his commitment to giving back, from volunteering in his synagogue to leading educational tours for students—proving that great leadership extends far beyond the shop floor.
Takeaways:
- Implement the Five S’s: Use the Five S methodology—Sort, Straighten, Sweep, Standardize, and Sustain—to organize and maintain efficient workspaces. Many companies also add a sixth 'S' for Safety, reinforcing a clean and secure environment.
- Introduce Maintenance Action Forms (MAFs): Establish a system to document, track, and prioritize maintenance issues. Rank problems by urgency—from "as soon as possible" to "needs further discussion"—to ensure clear communication and prompt resolution.
- Foster a Safety Culture: Create a safety committee to conduct monthly walkthroughs and identify potential hazards. Encourage the reporting of near-misses and safety concerns, and include practices like foreign object debris (FOD) checks to enhance workplace safety.
- Conduct 'Quote-to-Cash' Tours: Offer tours that showcase the full workflow—from quoting to cash collection—to educate employees and stakeholders. These tours highlight the facilities team’s impact and improve cross-functional understanding.
- Use Shadow Trays for Tools: Implement shadow trays to ensure all tools are accounted for daily. This reduces the risk of lost tools becoming safety hazards and supports overall workspace organization aligned with 5S principles.
- Promote a Culture of Safety and Care: Cultivate an environment where employees take ownership of safety and operational excellence. Communicate safety priorities regularly, encourage open reporting, and celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.
- Schedule Routine Management Walkthroughs: Have management conduct regular walkthroughs to spot inefficiencies or safety concerns. Whether informal (with a notepad) or structured (with scoring systems), these check-ins promote accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Quote of the Show
A small success, well publicized or seeing something done well that can be promoted for other people to see. That can go a long way with getting other people on board and realizing they could be hopeful too.
Links
- Connect with Eric:
- (860) 970-7580
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schneider-2b38a1b8/
- Company Website: https://www.enjetaero.com/
Video
