Messages in the Morning and Meaning in the Mess | Diary Entry – 30th May, 2025

I reached the plant very early today - earlier than even the watchman’s sleepy nod. I decided to get down on the road itself and walk to the plant gate. The stretch was quiet, dew clinging to the roadside shrubs, a soft breeze carrying that peculiar, earthy scent only early mornings know.

Somewhere along the way, I paused and clicked a reflection photo - the kind that accidentally captures more than just your image. It felt symbolic. Mornings like these are rare in intensity and clarity - both outside and within.

Mechanical Workshop – Echoes and Interruptions
At the morning meeting in the mechanical workshop, I noticed a few familiar faces - the kind that don’t bring calm but chaos. My instincts were spot on. They began talking repeatedly, raising completely irrelevant issues, looping the same complaints and questions in different words.

I didn’t interrupt. I let the circus finish its rounds. And then, when the dust settled, I delivered a strong, no-nonsense message - not in anger, but with unmistakable clarity.

“I’ve been guiding you all for the past 7 months. I’ve turned around three plants in 4-6 months in the past. Here, not even the basics are consistent. We’re wasting everyone’s time - yours, mine, the company’s. Still, there is time. If you begin working sincerely from today, you will start seeing results after 6 months.”

The silence that followed was heavy. But sometimes, leadership requires such uncomfortable truths.

Skipping the HOD Meeting - Silence as a Statement
I didn’t attend the HOD meeting today. Not out of protest, but because everything I needed to say had already been said - clearly, directly, and with enough weight in the morning. There’s a time to talk, and then there’s a time to let actions and silence speak.

Hands-on with the Crusher Team - A Better Way to Clean
Earlier, I had told the crusher team that we’d clean the gearbox of the stacker belt today. When I arrived, they had already started - a positive sign. I joined them.

And in the midst of grease, dust, and grime, a new cleaning method was born - practical, simple, and effective:

  1. First, clean with a wire brush to remove hard deposits.

  2. Then, wet a cloth with water, mix it with limestone powder, and rub. It scrubs well without harming surfaces.

  3. Use diesel sparingly, only where necessary.

  4. Finally, wipe everything down with a cloth dipped in clean water for a final polish.

It’s these moments - sleeves rolled up, all eyes on the same task - that quietly build the culture we want.

Plant Updates - Wins and Warnings
I didn’t engage much in DPM, just took essential updates:

  • Line 2 is running, and more importantly, the kiln did not stop yesterday. That’s a win worth noting.

  • But the Raw mill stoppages continue, with the same issue recurring. This repetition points to either inadequate problem-solving or poor root cause identification. Time for a deeper RCA with better cross-functional participation.

Digital Progress - Two More Records Online
Digitization continued today with two key documents:

  1. Gas flow measurement records

  2. Degree of calcination tracking sheet

Moving away from scattered handwritten registers to structured digital formats is part of the long-term foundation I’m laying here. It’s not fancy - but it’s fundamental.

Weather Shift - The Disappearing Clouds
The day began cloudy, carrying the mood from yesterday’s drizzles. But by mid-morning, the clouds had burned off and a hot, dry sun took over. Almost as if the sky had decided to stop holding back, just like me today.

Key Points of the Day - 30th May

  • Walked to the plant early morning; clicked a symbolic reflection photo.

  • Mechanical workshop meeting disturbed by irrelevant issues; responded with a strong message on performance and expectations.

  • Skipped the HOD meeting; felt my message had already been clearly communicated.

  • Hands-on cleaning of the stacker belt gearbox with the crusher team; developed a better, more economical cleaning method.

  • Line#2 kiln ran smoothly yesterday - a rare and encouraging milestone.

  • Continued issues with Raw mill due to recurring stoppages; highlights need for stronger RCA.

  • Two documents digitized: gas flow measurement and calcination record.

  • Cloudy morning turned into a hot, sunny afternoon - weather reflecting the day's emotional arc.

Reflection:
Today was one of those days that demand more of the inner leader than the outer manager. The ability to confront, the wisdom to hold silence, and the willingness to get your hands dirty - all came into play. Sometimes, it's not the major meetings, but the minor moments where real change begins.

[Crusher team cleaning the Stacker belt drive gear-box.]



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