Operating a Plant is Not Enough. How to Create an Environment Where People Want to Stay?
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Operang a Plant is Not Enough.
How to Create an Environment Where
People Want to Stay?
How can one run a factory focused on trust, innovaon and humanity? Jiří Zaoral, Plant Manager
Aluminium, Maxion Wheels Czech s.r.o., shares his perspecve on leadership, automaon, and why
ordinary canteen lunches sll maer.
How did you become the director of the
plant? Which experiences or people have
had the biggest impact on your career?
My professional journey has been full
of both challenges and opportunities.
I started in the purchasing department,
but shortly recognised something was
pulling me towards operations. That’s
where I learned the importance of detail,
but also how to see the bigger picture.
The company I worked for at the time
was undergoing major changes in its
manufacturing footprint, which created
opportunities for those willing to work
on themselves and make sacrifices.
My mentors, of course, played a key role
– people who not only believed in me
but continuously pushed me to go beyond
my limits. Combination of these two factors
opened the door for me to work on several
acquisitions. I took on global roles outside
the Czech Republic, where I followed
one of my mentors. Later he gave me the
opportunity to run an entire production
plant.
What do you build on when leading your
team? What principles have proven most
effective in your daily practice?
Trust. It’s a fragile yet fundamental building
block. Without it, everything can collapse
like a house of cards. That’s why it’s
essential for me to surround myself with