First, the receiving area where the forklift handled their material was very tight, barely enough room for the machine to turn around.
Second, two of the trainees spoke very little english.
After quickly assessing how they worked - I set up a half dozen pallets in one corner and explained to Kwok, who speaks some english, that the trainees must move the pallets one by one to the lane outside.
Kwok explained the drill to the other two trainees and then the fun began!
Fook started out by picking up the top pallet and trying to turn the machine around in order to head out to the lane.
He proceeded to drive into a nook where he was forced to switch directions multiple times, Forward then back, forward then back, until the machine was finally facing out to the lane.
I explained to Kwok that there is enough room to allow the machine to turn 180 degrees, thereby saving some time and possible damage to stock as well. Kwok tried to relay the info to the other two operators but there was clearly something lost in the translation as things weren't improving. Both operators were getting themselves trapped in corners, where they had to try to wiggle themselves out.
Just when I thought it might take all day just teaching them this one maneuver - I was struck with a unique idea!
I didn't know a word of Chinese, but I asked Kwok what the Chinese word is for "forward". He responded "Chin". "What's the Chinese word for back?" I asked. "Ho" he exclaimed.
"Perfect!" I said. Once the machine had parked momentarily, I demonstrated with a little dance in the middle of the floor.
"Chin Ho, Chin Ho, no no no!"
The response was "Ya ya ya!" followed by lots of laughter.
So the chant became a catchy little tune:
"Chin Ho, Chin Ho, no no no - ya ya ya - ha ha ha!"
Laughter proved to be good medicine as both Fook and Ming caught on quickly that the machine was able to turn around in one motion if the pivot wheel was positioned in the center of the small warehouse.
"Chin Ho, Chin Ho, no no no!"
It worked. All three were able to complete the exercise and consequently awarded with a FiveStar certification.
