Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 165

Even if the goal is ambitious, work should be broken down into smaller tasks.

First, I’ll break down the final inspection tasks I handle myself and delegate them. I’ll detail the steps of the work process and review them systematically. I want Sara and Gorgoro to eventually understand the skill of breaking down tasks, so I’ll explain it to them as we go.

Gorgoro is initially hesitant, but when I describe it as “the skill of delegating tedious tasks to others,” he changes his attitude and agrees to participate. He’s an easy one to motivate.

Before starting the company and producing the first pair of shoes, I handle all the processes and lines on my own, but the company won’t grow any further this way. I may need to change my own mindset before I can train others.

“First, I’ll start by showing you the inspection tasks I’m doing, explaining each step. If you have any questions, please ask.”

“First, we inspect the appearance. Check the shoes in a bright place during the designated daylight hours. Focus on the surface leather for any scratches, whether the leather is cut to the correct dimensions, any uneven coloring, any damage to the sole, whether the spikes are properly placed, if the adhesive used for the parts is not oozing out, if the stitching is of uniform width, and if the Guardian’s shoes’ stamp is properly aligned.”

“That seems doable for us,” Sara says.

“Our craftsmen can handle that too,” Gorgoro adds.

“Next, we check the interior. Verify if the rabbit fur lining fits properly, the color of the inner sole, and if the arch is properly formed.”

“That seems possible too,” Sara says.

“Finally, try on the shoes. Check for any discomfort while wearing them, if pulling the laces tight feels secure, and if there is any discomfort in the sole when stepping down. This concludes the inspection of the actual shoes.”

“If it’s someone with the right foot size, they should be able to do the same thing,” Sara remarks.

“Well, if we instruct them to wear proper socks, the craftsmen should be able to manage it,” Gorgoro says.

After explaining all this, I begin to find it strange myself. I was determined that it was something I couldn’t delegate, but breaking down the tasks makes it seem like anyone could handle it.

What was it that made me think I absolutely couldn’t delegate the shoe business?

Sara’s comment, “It seems like the craftsmen could do it too,” feels like it sums everything up.

Perhaps, in the end, maybe I just don’t want the shoe business to leave my hands.

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For now, I decide to set the policy of stepping away from hands-on work. However, suddenly stepping away from everything all at once is practically frightening, so I’ll establish a transition period. After developing the inspection manual, I’ll stop handling the full inspections and only manage the sampling inspections myself.

With sampling inspections, we only need to randomly select a certain number of products for inspection, so the time required is minimal. However, although sampling inspections are statistically correct, they tend to have a bad reputation on the ground. This is because it may seem like we’re complaining about defects that just happen to catch our eye. Those being inspected may feel more like they’re just unlucky rather than reflecting on the issues. In reality, we calculate the overall defect probability based on the chance of defects appearing in the sample, but emotions don’t always align with this.

It occurs to me now that in my previous world, when factory managers or higher-ups would occasionally come to the production site and complain, this might have been the reason. Back then, I resented their sporadic visits and the complaints they made, even though some of their points were valid to a certain extent.

From their perspective, they were probably worried about taking their hands off the field and intended to provide guidance. I finally understand their feelings. However, explaining the statistics for random sampling inspections, let alone full inspections, is a challenge. Teaching statistical literacy is too high a hurdle.

For now, I suppose I’ll just have to endure being criticized with comments like “Kenji is too picky.”