Reflection on ‘Feed the PROUD Way' game

On Tuesday, 17 June 2025, Taaibosch hosted an interactive training event designed to reinforce the company’s core P.R.O.U.D. principles – Preventative Care, Repair, Observation and Attention, Uplift Environment, and Daily Diligence – as established by the Managing Director. 

To bring these values to life, we drew on Industrial Engineering concepts and incorporated the 5S methodology (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to create an engaging and practical learning experience. 

With some collaborative thinking, “Feed the PROUD Way” game was developed; a hands-on exercise that connects the Taaibosch principles with real-world process improvement. The event not only strengthened team collaboration but also showcased how structured systems thinking can enhance daily operations across the organization.  

The “Feed the PROUD Way” game consisted of three key tasks: 

1. Pack the pallet with the pile of feed bags. 

2. Count and total the kilograms per feed type. 

3. Once packed, sort the feed bags according to their respective zoned pallets. 

Participants were given a maximum of five minutes to complete all tasks – a challenge that tested both speed and collaboration. 

For a first implementation, the game proved to be a great success. Teams quickly adapted to the rules, embraced the activity with enthusiasm, and began strategizing ways to improve efficiency. As a result, several groups completed the process more quickly than others, each adopting its own unique method. 

From an observation standpoint, it was fascinating to note the variety of approaches: 

• Many teams chose to bring all bags closer to the pallet area, mark each bag’s weight and feed type before placement, and only then proceed to sorting. 

• Some teams assigned one counter per feed type, creating a parallel workflow to improve accuracy. 

• Others designated members to specific pallets during the sorting phase for better logistics. 

• One group began by sorting and counting at the initial pile, ensuring that data capture was complete before packing began. 

Interestingly, the most challenging aspect of the activity was recording the kilograms per feed type, which required both focus and coordination. 

The real success of the game, however, was not measured by who completed the tasks in the shortest time, but by the strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication it inspired. It demonstrated how practical exercises can strengthen collaboration and reinforce continuous improvement – the very essence of the P.R.O.U.D. way.