Facility Rockstars | Stop, Listen, Inquire: Layth Wahbeh's Method for Root Cause Analysis & Lasting Facility Improvements

Stop, Listen, Inquire: Layth Wahbeh's Method for Root Cause Analysis & Lasting Facility Improvements

May 22, 2025 / 45:02/E63

Ever wonder why asking questions is so important?

In this episode of Facility Rock Stars, Jay Culbert interviews Layth Wahbeh, a former facilities manager at Jarvis Products and a forward-thinking leader in engineering and operations. Layth emphasizes the importance of questioning and listening to avoid problems and drive efficiency. He shares a story about identifying a steam supply issue at a plant and how addressing it led to significant operational improvements. Jay and Layth also discuss the importance of root cause analysis, compliance, cultural transformation, and the challenges of driving change within teams. Layth reflects on his personal experiences, including the impact of leadership and continuous learning on his career, and balances his professional life with hobbies like sailing and spending time with his son.

Takeaways:

Always Question Things: Layth emphasizes the importance of continuously questioning processes and assumptions to identify and prevent issues before they happen. Don't assume things are done correctly; proactively question and validate.
Embrace Change for Extraordinary Results: Layth highlights that achieving extraordinary results necessitates a willingness to change how operations are conducted. Embracing change and being open to new methods can lead to significant improvements.
Be Humble and Listen: One of Layth’s biggest lessons learned is the importance of humility and being a good listener. Effective listening and acknowledging that you don’t know everything can uncover insights and drive better decision-making.
Engage the Team in Problem-Solving: Layth showcases the importance of involving the team in identifying problems and solutions. Engaging the team fosters collective problem-solving and leverages diverse perspectives for effective solutions.
Use Root Cause Analysis: Layth’s experience underscores the necessity of conducting thorough root cause analysis to ensure problems are permanently resolved. This approach helps in understanding the underlying issues and implementing preventive measures.
Measure and Audit Regularly: Regular audits and measurements are crucial in maintaining system efficiency and reliability. Layth mentions the importance of auditing systems to keep them optimized and running effectively.
Build a Culture of Accountability and Ownership: Creating a culture where team members take accountability and ownership of their tasks is essential. Layth stresses that when individuals feel responsible for their areas, it leads to better performance and proactive problem-solving.

Quote of the Show:

“Sometimes, the tongue doesn’t know what the mind wants to say. People simply find ways to live with their problems, and that becomes their normal way of operating. But that’s not how it should be—people deserve more than just coping; they deserve healing and understanding.”

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