Pankaj Gautam

Achievement is the Best Motivator

“There is no bigger motivating factor than achievements. To keep on achieving something or the other, we need to set small goals and targets. We need to workout a time frame and go for it tooth and nails. With the right amount of commitment and efforts, we can come up with good results. This is what is being done at the steel sector giant. Bhilai Steel Plant,” says, Pankaj Gautam, CEO Bhilai Steel Plant.
Talking to this correspondent, he further says, “we have a big job on hand, the expansion plan. Most of our machines are old. Modernisation and expansion are underway. A steel plant cannot be simply shut down and replaced. We have to carry out hot-repair, i.e., do necessary repairs when steel is being made.
Encouraging innovations
He says, “projects or any other work gets delayed due to lack of decision making. We are putting new techniques to test. Decision making and taking initiative at all levels is being encourage. We are getting results. During the past few months many renovations and alterations have been done on the shop levels. Working has become more smooth.” We have developed a system of appreciating such small achievements.

Odd age mix 

Speaking on his preferences, Shri Gautam said, “other than getting the expansion project throught, the prime areas of concern is to work safely and save our machines. We are running against odds. The plant is old and so are the men. The average age is somewhere above 47 years. 15.72% executives lie in the 50-55 age group whereas more than 25% are above 50. Amongst non executives this is reversed. We have a little above 20% non executives in the non-executive group whereas those who are in the 55-60 age group, amount to about 20% of the non execs.

Better communication

Proper communication is a must for any organisation to work smoothly. It not only ensures flow of information but also reduces lacuna. Every person on the floor is free to update his immediate superior with his observations and findings. They can also see the CEO in person, between 4-5 pm everyday. In this meeting, they are free to discuss their personal problems as well. This has put in place mutual trust and brotherhood. Things are moving fast.

Expansion on track

Shri Gautam said, “expansion project was delayed due to various reason, mostly owing to decision making. Now that the BSP has a regular CEO, the caretaker age has come to an end. Decision making has been encouraged at all levels and this has speeded up work at all sites. Every thing is on track, progress is upto the mark. We will finish the expansion project by this time next year.