Hana had been working in the palm oil mill for nearly ten years. She had faced all kinds of challenges: long nights during breakdowns, tight production deadlines, and, perhaps the hardest of all—working with different types of managers.
She quickly realized that simply following instructions wasn’t enough. If she wanted to survive and grow, she needed to master the art of working with her leaders. Over time, she developed 10 habits that made her stand out.
1. Proactive Updates
Instead of waiting to be asked, Hana always shared progress before her boss had to chase her. Every evening, she would send a short update: what had been done, what was pending, and what needed support. Her managers felt reassured because they never had to guess.
2. Understanding Priorities
When tasks piled up, Hana didn’t rush blindly. She asked simple but powerful questions:
"Between the boiler inspection and the kernel recovery project, which matters more this week?"
By aligning her efforts with her boss’s true priorities, she avoided wasted work.
3. Offering Solutions
When the sterilizer broke down one morning, Hana didn’t just report the problem. She came prepared:
"We have two options: shift manpower from maintenance to fast-track repairs, or outsource to a contractor. What do you think?"
Her managers valued her not as a complainer, but as a problem-solver.
4. Adapting Communication Styles
One manager preferred formal reports; another wanted instant WhatsApp updates. Hana adjusted her style each time. She realized that flexibility in communication was not about losing herself—it was about making teamwork smoother.
5. Respecting Time
She noticed her boss had very limited hours. So instead of rambling, she prepared concise points. If she needed approval, she came with documents ready. Her efficiency earned respect: “Talking to Hana never wastes my time.”
6. Being Transparent About Challenges
When production numbers dipped, Hana didn’t hide the truth. She admitted the issue and explained the cause. More importantly, she showed what actions were already taken. Her honesty built trust.
7. Asking for Feedback
At least once a month, Hana asked her boss:
"How can I improve my reports? Do you need more details or less?"
By seeking feedback, she showed humility—and she kept getting better.
8. Sharing Solutions, Not Just Problems
When operators complained about late shifts, Hana didn’t just pass on their frustration. She proposed a new shift rotation to balance workloads. Her manager saw her as someone who carried solutions, not just noise.
9. Taking Notes on Instructions
During meetings, Hana always carried a notebook. She wrote down every instruction, no matter how small. That way, nothing slipped through the cracks. Soon, her manager noticed she was the one who rarely needed reminders.
10. Staying Professional in Disagreements
Sometimes Hana disagreed with her boss’s approach. But instead of arguing emotionally, she stayed calm:
"I understand your view. May I share an alternative that might save more cost?"
This professionalism allowed her to protect her ideas without damaging the relationship.
The Result
Over time, Hana built a reputation as a manager who could work with anyone. Supportive boss, strict boss, even the unpredictable ones—she handled them with the same discipline.
Her secret wasn’t luck. It was the 10 habits she practiced daily: proactive, respectful, transparent, and professional.
And when juniors asked her how to survive in the workplace, Hana would smile and say:
"Machines run on oil, but careers run on habits. Master the right ones, and you can work with any leader."
#blog #blogger #management #palmoilmill #kembarainsan #engineer #mba #sabah #sarawak
No comments:
Post a Comment