An interview with Jeroen Ruijs DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLANT? “That would have to be bromeliads. I have them at home in my paludarium – a tropical rainforest within an aquarium – which also hosts four poison frogs. I’ve never been to a real tropical rainforest, but Costa Rica is high on my bucket list.” WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT 2018? “Robotisation, which is currently in full swing. This technology is not to replace people but to help us work more efficiently and accurately and be less dependent on flex workers, who are increasingly difficult to find. The first five robots that can drive Danish trolleys are currently being tested in our halls. You won’t find these robots anywhere else in the world. I’m incredibly proud of that.” HOW DO YOU APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT LEAN MANAGEMENT IN YOUR DAILY WORK? “When there’s a problem, we often rush to find solutions. With Lean, you take a step back. Sometimes, you must ask ‘why’ five times before you get to the core of the problem. For eight weeks during the programme, I had to make a daily video in which I explained what I would do better the next day. It forced me to apply Lean immediately. Even though I’ve been working at Royal Lemkes for 25 years, I’m still growing every day.” HOW DO YOU GROW ‘TOGETHER’? “By first developing yourself and then coaching others. Instead of solving problems myself, which may be the fastest course of action, I want to take time to help others. That benefits the entire organisation.” 41
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