The Problem with Gatekeeping

Gatekeeping in the steel industry is a significant barrier to progress. Established players often control access to opportunities, resources, and information, making it difficult for newcomers and innovative ideas to break through. This practice not only stifles creativity but also perpetuates outdated methods and thinking.

In many cases, the older generation in the industry clings to traditional practices and resists change. They’ve built their careers on tried-and-true methods, and while these methods may have worked in the past, they are not necessarily suited for the rapidly changing landscape of today’s industry. This resistance to change creates a bottleneck that prevents new technologies and approaches from being adopted.

The Need for Inclusivity and Innovation

For the steel industry to remain competitive and relevant, we must break down these barriers and promote a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Here’s how we can start:

Encouraging Diversity of Thought: We need to welcome diverse perspectives and ideas. This means actively seeking out and valuing input from individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Diversity of thought can lead to more innovative solutions and a more dynamic industry.

Mentorship and Support for Newcomers: Established professionals should take on mentorship roles to support and guide newcomers. By sharing their knowledge and experience, they can help the next generation of steel industry leaders to develop and implement new ideas.

Embracing Technology: The steel industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, but this needs to change. Technologies like AI, IoT, and advanced data analytics can revolutionize our processes and make us more efficient. We need to be open to experimenting with and integrating these technologies into our operations.

Breaking Down Institutional Barriers: We must identify and dismantle the institutional barriers that prevent new players from entering the industry. This could involve reevaluating hiring practices, creating more inclusive corporate cultures, and actively promoting equal opportunities for all.

Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Instead of sticking to the mantra, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” we should adopt a mindset of continuous improvement. This means constantly looking for ways to optimize our processes, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition.

Real-Life Examples

During my time in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand the negative impact of gatekeeping. Talented individuals with innovative ideas have been turned away or ignored simply because they didn’t fit the traditional mold. On the flip side, I’ve also seen the incredible results that can come from embracing new perspectives and technologies.

For instance, when I first started EOXS, I encountered significant resistance from traditionalists who doubted the need for a technology overhaul in steel distribution. However, by persevering and demonstrating the benefits of our ERP systems, we were able to show that modernization can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and profitability.

Another example is the story of a young engineer I mentored who had a brilliant idea for using AI to optimize inventory management. Despite initial skepticism from his superiors, he was able to implement his idea and dramatically reduce waste and costs for his company. This success story underscores the importance of giving newcomers the chance to prove their worth and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Gatekeeping is a significant barrier to progress in the steel industry, but it’s one we can overcome by fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation. By welcoming diverse perspectives, supporting newcomers, embracing technology, breaking down institutional barriers, and continuously seeking improvement, we can ensure that the steel industry not only survives but thrives in the future.

Let’s break down the gates and open the doors to a brighter, more innovative future for the steel industry.