The WCM Pillar Effect on Manufacturing Excellence
- Umeme Africa

- Sep 25, 2023
- 3 min read

In the ever changing world of manufacturing, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just machinery and raw materials. It demands a workforce that operates on a whole different level—a level that can only be achieved through the remarkable influence of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) pillars. These pillars not only extract the intelligence of their members but also extend and multiply it, leading to a transformative 2X WCM Pillar Effect.
The WCM Pillar Effect Unveiled
"Talent hits a target no one else can hit, genius hits a target no one else can see." This profound insight sets the stage for understanding the essence of WCM pillars. These pillars act as catalysts that unlock the unique intelligence within each member, creating an atmosphere of innovation, productive effort, and collective intelligence.
1. Unlocking Intellectual Potential
As employees join a WCM pillar, they embark on a journey where no opportunity for excellence is overlooked. They harness their creativity, innovative ideas, and go above and beyond in their contributions to the project at hand. Remarkably, WCM pillars elicit a remarkable 1.97-fold increase in output from their members compared to traditional setups. This translates into nearly doubling productivity. The underlying reason for this remarkable phenomenon is straightforward—WCM members dedicate 100% of their capabilities to their tasks and often surpass expectations.
2. Expanding Intelligence
But WCM pillars don't stop at unlocking intellectual potential; they also have the power to expand and grow the intelligence of their members. When these teams are recognized for their exceptional efforts, it fosters a belief that intelligence can indeed flourish. This belief soon transforms into reality, and individuals within WCM pillars find themselves operating at levels they never thought possible.
Resource Leverage: The WCM Way
One might argue that achieving manufacturing growth requires additional resources, but WCM pillars challenge this traditional thinking with a concept known as "resource leverage."
The Logic of Addition vs. The Logic of Multiplication
The logic of addition, which is prevalent in many manufacturing settings, assumes that more resources must be added to accomplish bigger tasks. However, this often leads to overworked and underutilized employees. WCM pillars operate on the logic of multiplication, which believes that existing resources can be more efficiently leveraged to achieve exponential growth. This logic rests on the following principles:
· Most people in organizations are underutilized.
· All capabilities can be leveraged with the right mindset.
· Intelligence and capability can be multiplied without requiring a larger investment.
WCM pillars don't achieve more with less; they achieve more by using more—the intelligence, capability, enthusiasm, and trust of their team members. This efficient resource utilization strengthens their competitive position compared to manufacturers stuck in the logic of addition.
The WCM Pillar Mindset
What sets WCM pillars apart is their mindset. They believe in the untapped intelligence of every team member and see it as a continuously developing asset. The pillars operate on core assumptions that guide their behavior:
· When managing talent, they focus on development.
· When approaching mistakes, they explore and learn.
· When setting directions, they provide challenges.
· When making decisions, they seek consultation.
· When getting things done, they demand support.
These assumptions form the foundation of their approach and create an environment where team members thrive.
The Five Disciplines of WCM Pillars
To understand the mechanics behind the WCM Pillar Effect, it's essential to explore the five core disciplines that guide their actions:
1. Drawing-in and Maximizing Talents
WCM pillars act as talent magnets, attracting and deploying talent to its fullest potential, regardless of resource ownership. Employees flock to these pillars because they know they will grow and succeed.
2. Cultivating Engagement that Heightens Best Thinking
WCM pillars establish an empowering work environment where everyone is encouraged to think and perform at their best. They remove fear, create safety, and demand the best efforts from their team members.
3. Challenging Boundaries
WCM Pillars thrive on challenges, continually pushing their members beyond their comfort zones. They believe in challenging boundaries, expanding horizons, and the power of belief and enthusiasm.
4. Discussing Decisions
WCM pillars drive sound decisions through rigorous debate and open discussions. This process ensures that decisions are well-understood and efficiently executed.
5. Fostering Ownership and Responsiblity
By setting high expectations and holding members accountable for their commitments, WCM pillars deliver superior results. These pillars serve as investors, providing the necessary resources for success, and drive unrelenting presence among team members to uphold high standards.
The WCM Pillar Effect is not just a concept but a transformative force in the world of manufacturing. It extracts and multiplies the genius within each team member, challenges traditional resource allocation norms, operates on a mindset of continuous improvement, and follows a set of disciplines that drive excellence. By adopting the principles and practices of WCM pillars, manufacturing entities can truly unleash their potential and secure a competitive edge in the ever-evolving market landscape.







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