In the pursuit of excellence, modular factories often face a difficult truth: hiring the wrong people can have a ripple effect, harming not just productivity but also the morale of the entire team.
The Illusion of a Perfect System
Some believe a flawless production system, run by skilled specialists, is the key to success. Others rely on their team’s dedication to drive both quality and output. But even the best system or team can falter if the wrong people are in the mix.
Sales Managers: A Critical Role
Sales managers are pivotal, but they’re also one of the most common hiring pitfalls. While it typically takes 6–12 months for a new salesperson to hit their stride, signs of underperformance often appear much earlier.
Red Flags:
- Difficult to reach by phone or email
- Overlooked client details
- Missed follow-ups that leave builders and engineers scrambling
Keeping an ineffective sales manager too long doesn’t just hurt sales; it affects every department, from engineering to production, and ultimately frustrates clients.
The Cost of Keeping the Wrong People
Underperformers often blend in, spreading negativity and lowering the standards of their departments. Despite this, factories sometimes hesitate to let them go, hoping they’ll improve with time or additional investment.
Why is this so common?
- Regret over sunk costs: Time and money spent on training can feel wasted.
- Optimism bias: A belief that the person can be “fixed” with more support.
- Reluctance to disrupt the team: Letting someone go can feel like a setback, especially if the role is hard to fill.
A Hard Question for Factory Owners
Every factory has at least one person who shouldn’t have been hired in the first place. These individuals drain resources and diminish team morale, week after week.
Ask yourself:
- Who are these people in your organization?
- What steps can you take to address their impact?
Moving Forward with Confidence
Hiring and retaining the right people is a challenge, but it’s one worth prioritizing. A strong team, free from toxicity, creates the foundation for sustainable success. Recognize the warning signs early, and don’t let fear of change stop you from making the tough decisions that will protect your factory’s future.