Introduction

Image from https://yukaichou.com/gamification-examples/octalysis-complete-gamification-framework/

In a chemical processing plant’s highly technical and safety-critical environment, the maintenance strategy and execution are vital for operational success and safety. However, The ‘Ownership & Possession’ core drive of the Octalysis Framework, a gamification strategy created by Yu-kai Chou, offers a new perspective and approach to engaging the maintenance team and instilling a sense of ownership can be a challenge.

Understanding ‘Ownership & Possession’ in the Octalysis Framework
The ‘Ownership & Possession’ drive is about creating a sense of ownership over tasks, projects, or outcomes. This drive makes people care more about what they own, fostering a deeper level of engagement and responsibility.
Applying ‘Ownership & Possession’ in Chemical Plant Maintenance

1. Personal Responsibility for Equipment and Tools: Assign specific equipment or tools to individual team members or small teams, creating a sense of personal responsibility for the maintenance and performance of these assets.
2. Maintenance Project Ownership: Encourage teams to fully own specific maintenance projects or areas within the plant, including planning, executing, and monitoring maintenance activities, giving them autonomy while holding them accountable for the outcomes.
3. Rewarding Ownership: Recognize and reward individuals or teams who demonstrate exemplary care and improvement in their areas of responsibility. Rewards can range from public acknowledgment to bonuses or professional development opportunities.
4. Tracking and Reporting Systems: Implement a system where maintenance teams can track and report on their projects through digital dashboards or regular reporting meetings. Visibility of their work fosters a sense of pride and ownership.
5. Involvement in Decision Making: Involve maintenance staff in decision-making processes, especially those affecting their work, e.g., selecting tools, planning maintenance schedules, or improving processes.
6. Maintenance Knowledge Sharing: Encourage sharing knowledge and best practices among teams through regular meetings, workshops, or digital platforms. When team members contribute their knowledge, they feel a sense of ownership over the shared practices and standards.
7. Personal Development Plans: Tie individual development plans to maintenance goals. Allow team members to set personal objectives that align with the broader maintenance strategy, personalizing their role and enhancing their sense of ownership.
8. Visualizing Impact: Use visual tools to show the impact of maintenance work on plant performance. Understanding how an individual’s work contributes to the larger picture can reinforce a sense of ownership and pride.

Conclusion
Integrating the ‘Ownership & Possession’ drive from the Octalysis Framework into the maintenance strategy at a chemical processing plant can significantly enhance team engagement and accountability. Maintenance teams can be more motivated by fostering a sense of personal responsibility and pride in their work, resulting in improved maintenance outcomes, operational efficiency, and safety. This approach benefits the plant’s operational goals and contributes to a more satisfied and empowered workforce, driving continuous improvement in the maintenance process.

To learn directly from Yu-Kai’s site:

The 8 Core Drives of Gamification #4: Ownership and Possession

The information in this article was partially generated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, an AI language model, and has been reviewed/edited for accuracy and relevance. OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. Retrieved from https://chat.openai.com/