by Lee Fried, on 03 May 2006 08:12 am
The Journey
LEAN Development
I thought that I would use today’s posting to talk not about how learning and applying LEAN has helped me develop professionally. Sure I have developed some technical skills and I have improved my consulting, leadership and facilitation competencies, but I have noticed other personal improvements that I did not anticipate. Here are four that I can share:
First, I have become much more focused on the end customer then I was before learning LEAN. I now almost unconsciously tie all my work to the end customer.
Second, I have become much more observant. My listening skills have been honed and my eyes see a lot more. Before applying LEAN I had a hard time keeping focused on one thing for a long time. I now am much more attentive.
Third, I have become much more capable at separating what I can change/influence from what is outside of my control. As I work with my clients I am not much more effective at discerning what is fact from what is belief.
Finally, I have gotten much better at applying the PCDA cycle to my own practices. I have never been very good at self-reflection, but LEAN has provided me with the disciple in to learn from my mistakes and capitalize on my strengths.