Lean is about more than just processes. It\'s about engaging people to achieve more better faster. People are not tools. Here are a few suggestions on implementing the people side of lean that have worked for our clients for 15+ years.
Waste is unfortunately a significant contributor to total manufacturing cost. Controlling waste and reducing costs are mission-critical!
Many companies have implemented “Lean Manufacturing” principles within their organizations to help control waste and therefore improve their operational cost. Recently, a new form of lean manufacturing has been developed that relies on implementing behavioral changes among manufacturing personnel.
The objective of this new “Lean” approach is to reduce the cost of hard scrap, reduce the amount of time per run, and reduce the cost of downtime.
Individuals within the manufacturing organization are the best resource to uncover ways to reduce costs and improve financial success of the operations. The new “Lean” approach discussed in this presentation will focus on how to implement manufacturing organization behavioral changes that will significantly impact financial success.
So what will help them want to ch
Here’s the testimony of one team leader tried this approach. “ I referenced our coaching discussion about President Reagan's leadership abilities and successes. We talked about the type of persons they were. I told my direct reports about me -- who I am. It makes it easier to relate to each other. By time I graduated HS I'd been to 11 schools. I graduated 3 mo before my sr. class did. Then I went to college and by time I was 20 I had started my career. That was important to share with them. I'm a reader - 4-5 books a week. It's my way of thinking and coming up with ideas. I didn't build a lot of relationships early on. I prefer to work alone partly because of my field experience and my upbringing. Opening up to my staff and to the people in this room is me getting out of my "me box." I'm rethinking how to be a friend to the people I work with – to be friendly and be a part of their lives.” As a result, the people on his team got on board with him. He gave them the freedom to implement decisions and productivity and teamwork increased.
This is a list of values the employees of one client company created.
Tell them how much you appreciate them, their contributions, and their ideas. Give feedback. Be real. They can see through anything less than authenticity.
Train them to own the quality of their workmanship. Let them discover the most efficient tactics (path)!
Here are several tools a leader can use to inspire team members to engage in the process of cutting costs, reducing waste and increasing productivity.
Consider yourself the servant leader. Ask more questions than you give answers. Ask them how you can support them. Encourage them. When they don’t meet expectations, tell them. Shoot straight.