by Lee Fried, on 27 Apr 2006 07:19 am
The Journey
Leading by Example
Over the last couple of months senior leaders throughout the organization have pledge their support and commitment to LEAN. I believe this is a positive step, but not sufficient. We may have “buy-in” from most leaders, but I am not sure it they understand what it is that they are buying into. Proclaiming ones support for something is not strong enough to move people to change. What is truly needed is active participation from leadership. We need senior leaders throughout the organization to follow the saying, and make their “actions louder then words.” There are many managers and staff members that are on the edge about LEAN and the best way to gain their support is to do so by example. By participating leaders will also have the opportunity to gain an understanding of what this is all about and how it can have a positive impact on their work and the organization.
Don’t get me wrong, we have had many leaders come to training events and participate in Kaizen. On Monday the CEO signed up for a Kaizen. So for all of the leaders that are skeptical about LEAN or have not been able to find the time in their busy schedules I challenge you to take the plunge. Block a week off from your schedule and see what it is all about.