'The line stops for a full 20 minutes': Freshly promoted new boss thinks he knows better than experienced machinist, predictable happens

Brad Dickson • Managing Editor

Aug 17, 2023 9:00 AM EDT

Every job has its quirks, and workers usually have their own adapted processes to deal with these in efficient and effective ways. Sure, sometimes these might cut too many corners and need reeling in by management, but the worst thing a new manager can do is assume that they know a better way of doing things.

See, usually, these adapted processes are developed by workers over an extended period of time through experimentation and process of elimination in order to streamline their tasks and remove unnecessary steps, which makes their job easier but also makes things more effective for the business as a whole.

The Original Poster worked at an auto manufacturer where they made hoods for two different types of cars. The manufacturing machine's software was ineffective for swapping between the two different models—which meant, to be more efficient, the hoods needed to be produced in small batches but at a rate that didn't hold up other areas of assembly or overwhelm the limited storage racks. Over time the OP perfected the batching process, nailing it down to a science. Enter their new boss, who was recently promoted from the line and, quite frankly, should have known better…

The new boss told the OP not to wait for parts to finish and to switch between the two models 1 to 1, causing faults and delays in production. They then later told the OP not to switch between hoods without his instruction, causing further delays when he came back too late.

See their story and account of events as it was originally shared with Reddit below.