Richard has spent almost 20 years in the palm oil industry, serving as a production executive at a mill in Sugut, Sabah. For many, his name became synonymous with discipline. Not because of the authority on his title, but because of how he showed up—every single day.
He was at the mill before 7 a.m., long before the factory engines roared to life. And he often left after 9 p.m., when the night shift was already well underway. His presence wasn’t about clocking long hours—it was about being reliable, visible, and available when his people needed him most.
1. Kindness Under Pressure
When breakdowns struck or targets slipped, Richard never raised his voice. His calm tone steadied the room. Workers trusted him because he treated them with respect even in high stress.
2. Clear, Calm Communication
Instead of drama, he gave direction. During morning safety briefings, his instructions were simple, practical, and consistent. He knew panic never solved problems—clarity did.
3. Consistency in Hard Times
The palm oil mill is an unforgiving environment. Machines fail, weather disrupts, and markets fluctuate. But Richard’s consistency—his routine, his work ethic, his presence—anchored the team.
4. Active Listening
You could often find him in the workshop or at the loading ramp, leaning in as a junior engineer spoke. He didn’t just wait to reply—he listened, understood, and coached.
5. Removing Roadblocks
When a young executive struggled with process optimization, Richard stepped in—not to take over, but to remove the barriers, give guidance, and let the junior succeed. Helping others win became his trademark.
6. Celebrating Others
He never sought the spotlight. Instead, he pointed it at others—calling out a technician who solved a tough problem, or applauding a team for meeting production efficiency. He believed recognition was oxygen for morale.
7. Reliability Above All
In an industry where fatigue and turnover were common, Richard’s greatest leadership trait was simple: he showed up. Day after day, year after year. And that reliability built unshakable trust.
The Legacy
Now, nearly two decades later, Richard isn’t remembered just for the tons of crude palm oi his mill produced. He’s remembered for the people he shaped—the engineers, executives, and technicians who carry his lessons forward.
Leadership, he proved, isn’t loud.
It’s not in speeches or titles.
It’s in how you treat people when no one’s watching—and in the discipline of showing up
๐ Which of Richard’s traits resonates most wuth you?
#Leadership #KembaraInsan #PalmOilIndustry #Discipline #Mentorshipet
No comments:
Post a Comment