From Confusion to Clarity: Building Action from Reflection | Date: April 26, 2025

After yesterday’s swirling confusion, today brought a welcome sense of clarity and direction.

The morning meeting began on a refreshing note. After a quick prayer, I kept it short and sweet. In the spirit of goodwill, I extended an advance wish for Togo’s Independence Day to the few Togolese colleagues present. But I added a small thought — true independence is not just political; it is the freedom from negativity within ourselves. I could sense the thought landing well among those present. Sometimes, a small message shared at the right moment becomes a seed for inner change.

The HOD meeting was more purposeful today. I addressed the recurring problem of Kiln feed belt bucket elevator tripping, proposing a structured method for diagnosing and solving it. No more random tweaking—proper inspection, cause identification, and elimination.

After the meeting, I took my routine rounds—a visit to the Mechanical Workshop, Stores, and a stop at the Main Gate Security. These rounds are more than just inspection—they are my way of keeping the pulse of the plant in my hands.

Back in office, I put things into action.
An Action Plan for the bucket elevator issue was carefully drafted and shared with key members. I made it a point to explain not just the "what" but also the "why"—

"An action plan is nothing but a structured list of jobs, carefully planned, and scheduled for execution to achieve a goal. Without an action plan, intentions remain dreams."

Meanwhile, new challenges were knocking:

  • Cable theft is becoming a real nuisance. Currently, our cables are fastened with PVC straps, which snap easily when pulled. I suggested switching to GI wire binding—much tougher to break. But I kept the forum open: Is there any better solution? Maybe a combination of GI wire and physical barriers?

  • Two critical issues related to fine coal handling were highlighted:

    1. Emptying fine coal during sudden shutdowns – Right now, we don’t have an online transfer system. Any unplanned shutdown leaves coal stagnating in bins, posing fire and explosion risks.

    2. Cross-filling of fine coal from Line#2 to Line#1 bins – A wrong modification somewhere has led to a design flaw. When Line#1 is idle, coal creeps into its bin, again creating hazardous situations.

I firmly believe, and said aloud today, that in a well-designed plant,

If we neglect maintenance or make poor engineering changes for short-term convenience, inefficiency quietly sneaks in. Over time, these inefficiencies become the "new normal" and start bleeding resources, safety, and morale.

Today’s energy felt different.

After yesterday’s state of helpless confusion, today was about taking charge, making things move, and setting a new tone. Small steps—but each one anchored in thought, clarity, and action.

This momentum must continue.



Highlights (short phrases, action points):

  • Wished Togolese staff Happy Independence Day 

  • Shared the thought: True freedom is freedom from negativity.

  • Structured discussion on Kiln Feed Belt Bucket Elevator tripping problem 

  • Routine visit: Mechanical Workshop ➔ Stores ➔ Main Gate Security

  • Action Plan prepared and explained 

  • Solutions brainstormed:

    • GI wire binding to prevent cable theft

    • Fine Coal Emptying Plan in shutdown

    • Prevent cross-filling between Line#1 and Line#2 coal bins

  • Reflection: Poor maintenance leads to silent inefficiency 

  • Feeling: Day of Clarity and Actions! 


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