The 3M Chem Ops Way Guidebook
Welcome to the 3M Chem Ops Way Leadership Program, where we will embark on a 12-month journey to explore and enhance your leadership capabilities. Our program focuses on Five Core Competencies that have been instrumental to the success of 3M Chemical Operations: Transparency, Courage, Unity, Resiliency, and Vision.
To create a comprehensive and enriching learning experience, each of the Five Core Competencies is represented by four modules that align with our core 3M Chemical Operations’ Values. The first four modules—Trust, Visibility, Humility, and Communication—fall under Transparency. The next four—Accountability, Engagement, Ownership, and Perseverance—are categorized under Courage. Following these, the next four modules—Community, Collaboration, Empathy, and People Development—align with Unity. The subsequent four—Growth Mindset, Prioritization, Delegation, and Empowerment—are focused on Resiliency. Finally, the last four modules—Clarity, Connectivity, Consistency, and Leadership Development—are grouped under Vision. This structured approach ensures that you gain a well-rounded understanding of the essential qualities required for effective leadership.
Throughout the 3M Chem Ops Way Leadership Program, you will explore these competencies and values, acquiring practical tools and actionable insights to apply in your daily work at your own pace. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to navigate the challenges of leadership and drive results-driven operational discipline within your organization.
Operational Discipline at 3M Chem Ops
3M Chemical Operations Operational Discipline is the unwavering commitment of every individual to adhere to established processes, procedures, and standards with precision and consistency. It is essential for achieving high standards of safety, quality, and productivity in our manufacturing environment. It reduces variability, minimizes errors, and ensures processes are predictable and repeatable creating a culture of reliability and trust.
Set Expectations
Setting Expectations means clearly defining and communicating the standards, behaviors, and performance criteria required for 3M Chemical Operations to achieve consistent and reliable execution of its processes. It is ensuring that every team member performs their tasks correctly, every time, and within the agreed-upon framework. By setting clear, actionable expectations, we are laying the groundwork for operational discipline, reducing errors, enhancing safety, and improving overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Engagement
Engagement is the active participation, commitment, and involvement of everyone within 3M Chemical Operations to adhere and champion the standards and practices required for consistent and reliable operational execution. It ensures that team members are not only aware of what is expected but are also motivated and equipped to meet those expectations with accountability and enthusiasm. Engaged individuals are more likely to innovate, collaborate, and sustain the disciplined execution needed for long-term success.
Accountability
Accountability is the expectation and commitment that team members consistently adhere to established standards, processes, and behaviors while taking ownership of their actions and outcomes. It is a critical element of operational discipline, ensuring that everyone performs their responsibilities with precision, integrity, and a sense of responsibility to the organization and its goals. Accountability fosters trust, reduces errors, and ensures that processes function smoothly, even under pressure.
Proactive vs. Reactive
What is being Proactive?
Taking initiative and planning ahead to prevent issues, ensure consistency, and achieve desired outcomes. It means adhering to processes and systems consistently to identify potential risks, optimize workflows, and implement preventative measures before problems arise.
What is being Reactive?
Responding to events or problems after they occur rather than anticipating and preventing them. Maintaining the commitment to follow established protocols when responding to unexpected events or disruptions, ensuring minimal impact and quick resolution.
Operational discipline is the unwavering commitment to do the right thing, the right way, every time—even when no one is watching.
Module Information:
5 P’s for Proficiency
Priority
At the beginning of each module, you will be asked to complete the Skills Self-Assessment found in the Module Overview. This assessment allows you to evaluate and quantify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to prioritize which of the five sessions you begin with on your journey, as they are all of equal importance and can be completed in any order.
Pace
The 3M Chem Operations’ Way Leadership Program is self-paced. It is essential that you have the independence to work at your own speed. Being rushed or feeling pressured to complete a certain number of lessons within a time frame takes away your freedom to focus on the areas you are interested in developing. Using your Skills Self-Assessment, select your starting session and begin your journey of leadership growth.
Peer Groups
Remember, you are not on this journey alone. Through your Eagle Center for Leadership Peer Group, you’ll find support, shared insights, and encouragement as you grow both personally and professionally. Together, you’ll move at a pace that respects your priorities and learning style.
Practice
Make time for practice. After determining what priorities, you want to focus on, establish a learning pace that works for you. Once this has been set, you can meet with your leadership coach to practice the leadership skills, actions, and behaviors you want to incorporate into your daily routines.
Progress
Self-reflection is a vital part of this program. We encourage you to actively track and reflect on your progress after completing each module. At the end of each module, you'll complete a Lab Report, answering questions based on the content you learned to receive credit.
Proficiency
When you become proficient in your leadership, you possess a deep understanding and ability to perform tasks with efficiency, accuracy, and confidence. You demonstrate the ability to tackle complex challenges and execute tasks to a high standard, fostering robust, collaborative relationships that collectively drive organizational success.
