Celebrating the Worker on Labor Day – A Lean Perspective

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States, honors the contributions and achievements of American workers. Established in the late 19th century, it became a federal holiday in 1894 as a tribute to the labor movement’s role in building the nation’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. While it often marks the unofficial end of summer, at its heart, Labor Day is about recognizing the value of the people who make work happen every day.

In Lean, we know that respect for people is not just a principle—it’s a foundation. The success of any process, system, or business depends on the creativity, dedication, and problem-solving of its employees. Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate that truth.

Ways to Recognize Employees This Labor Day
Here are a few ways organizations can connect the holiday’s meaning to their Lean culture:

1. Celebrate Achievements Publicly – Share recent improvement wins and highlight the people behind them. Recognize those who have gone the extra mile to remove waste, improve quality, or make work safer and easier.
2. Connect Improvements to Purpose – Remind employees how their daily efforts contribute to customer value, team success, and the organization’s mission. People are more engaged when they understand the “why” behind their work.
3. Encourage Reflection and Feedback – Use the holiday to invite employees to share ideas for improvement. This shows respect for their expertise and reinforces that their voice matters in shaping the future.
4. Make Appreciation Visible – Whether through a small gift, a handwritten note, or a recognition board, tangible signs of gratitude go a long way in reinforcing a culture of respect.
5. Empower and Invest – Commit to ongoing training, skills development, and providing the tools employees need to succeed. Continuous improvement thrives when people are given the resources to grow.

This Labor Day, let’s remember that Lean is about more than processes—it’s about people. By honoring the contributions of every worker and fostering an environment where they can thrive, we not only celebrate the holiday’s spirit but also strengthen our culture of continuous improvement all year long.

Memorial Day – Leadership Lessons

Memorial Day is the day we remember those who paid the greatest price for our freedom. It is honoring to pause and reflect on those who gave what they could never take back. These are the heroes whose sacrifices we cannot fully comprehend for most of us will never be called upon to give so much. Yet, if we are to truly honor their bravery we would do well as leaders to imitate in our own small way the manner in which they gave.

Let’s take a moment to honor our fallen heroes by examining some of the lessons they left behind …

1. The Power of Sacrifice

The essence of Memorial Day is the recognition of sacrifice. The men and women who serve in our armed forces put their lives on the line for the greater good, often at great personal cost. This spirit of sacrifice is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Their selflessness in putting the needs of others above their own teaches us a vital leadership lesson – the importance of leading with selflessness. Influential leaders prioritize the well-being and success of their team members, demonstrating a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. By embracing a servant leadership mindset, leaders can inspire trust, loyalty, and dedication within their teams.

2. Commitment to a Greater Cause

Memorial Day reminds us of the unwavering commitment of our military personnel to a cause greater than themselves. Their dedication and sense of duty are inspiring examples of what it means to be fully committed to a mission. This is a reminder of the enduring legacy left by those who have served. Leaders, too, have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on their teams and organizations. Leaders have the ability to inspire greatness and create positive change by setting a positive example, nurturing talent, and empowering others. This creates a ripple effect that spreads positivity and encourages growth. Leaders who prioritize mentorship and invest in the development of their team members ensure that their influence continues long after they have moved on.

3. The Importance of Resilience and Perseverance

The stories we hear on Memorial Day are often filled with incredible acts of bravery and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. These stories highlight the resilience that is essential for both military and leadership success. The brave individuals who have faced adversity on the battlefield display unwavering courage and resilience. Leaders must draw inspiration from their example and embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth. Great leaders do not shy away from challenges but confront them head-on, rallying their teams and instilling confidence. By leading with courage and resilience, leaders create an environment that encourages innovation, risk taking, and the pursuit of excellence.

4. The Power of Teamwork and Unity

Memorial Day reminds us of the power of teamwork and unity. Military units operate as cohesive teams built on trust, communication, and a shared sense of purpose. Leaders should strive to foster a similar environment of collaboration in their organizations. By promoting open dialogue, active listening, and a sense of belonging, leaders can create high-performing teams capable of achieving remarkable results.

5. The Importance of Gratitude

This weekend, we make it a priority to thank the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country. We should also remember that our gratitude for them shouldn’t stop at a single day or occasion. The same is true with regard to business. Expressing gratitude to our team members and partners isn’t just for special occasions or when celebrating wins. Practicing and sharing gratitude leads to stronger relationships, increased collaboration, and a more positive organizational culture.

As you remember those who lost their lives in faraway lands, consider bringing their sacrifice home in how you lead your team. When you do, you’ll raise the value of their gift for everyone you serve.

5 Business Lessons from St. Patrick

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Lost in the midst of parades, green beer, and Irish music, there is a story of a remarkable leader. That millions of people still celebrate a holiday honoring St. Patrick, 1500 years after his death, attests to his success as a leader.

The life of this fifth-century Christian missionary in Ireland highlights some important business lessons that still apply today.

Take Action

Note that St. Patrick didn’t wait to be rescued from his circumstances. He took action himself. What action do we need to take? Where might we need to step out of our comfort zone? We won’t ever reach those waters heading to where we want to be until we take that first step.

Teamwork

Saint Patrick worked in a team to develop his ministry. He understood the importance of collaboration and leveraging the strengths of others. After visiting an Irish tribe, a few members of the ministry team stayed behind to support and coach the new believers.

Perseverance

Born to wealthy parents in Britain, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken into slavery when he was 16 years old. While in captivity, he was forced to work as a shepherd for six years. Despite this long period of forced labor, he later returned as a missionary to Ireland. This raises the importance of balancing short- and long-term goals.

Forgive

One of the most surprising aspects of St. Patrick’s life was his decision to return to Ireland as a missionary 15 years after he had escaped. Despite his being held captive there, he was able to muster up the strength to forgive his captors to the point where he willingly returned. Who might we need to forgive in our life? Remember, holding onto resentment only creates bitterness and burden within us.

Invest in People

An important part of his ministry was discipleship, which aligns with employee training and development. Saint Patrick and his team spent months with each tribe. This dedicated time allowed for the development of practices and ongoing training.

This St. Patrick’s Day, might we remember that it is more than just a tale and opportunity to dress from head to toe in green. May we be encouraged and inspired to intentionally live our lives full of purpose, no matter our circumstances. As a leader at work, in the community, in our church or even in our own home, how might the tale of St. Patrick teach us to transform our circumstances into opportunities for growth and impact?

Labor Day: 10 Facts About Today’s American Worker

Happy Labor Day to all my American readers! For a lot of people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and the end of summer. However, Labor Day is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women and acknowledges the value and dignity of work and its role in American life.

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters. In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living.

Today, being an American worker looks much different. Here are 10 facts about American workers today:

1. Millennials are now the largest generation in the U.S. labor force

According to a 2019 Pew Research poll, millennials passed Gen X in 2016 to become the single largest generational group in the U.S. workforce. This follows decades of Boomers holding the title, and Gen X holding it for just 3 years before being surpassed by millennials.

2. A significant majority (over 70%) of Americans work in the services sector

Compared to other parts of American history when agriculture, or industry may have been a more prominent option for American workers, the services sector has been the most dominant sector for quite some time now (Source: Pew and Statistica)

3. In 2021, U.S. workers worked an average of 1,767 hours per year

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the U.S. average hours worked was the highest among OECD member nations with the exception of just five other nations working more hours. The OECD is an intergovernmental organization with 38 member nations in the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific committed to democracy and the market economy.

4. Thanks to the pandemic, 59% of workers with jobs that can be done remotely are teleworking all or most of the time (as recently as January of this year)

Covid-19 brought one of the largest and dramatic shifts for many American workers ever seen: working from home. While not all American workers have the option of working in a job that can be done remotely, the majority of those who do have stayed remote even after return to workplaces became an option. (Source: Pew)

5. While maternity leave is protected in some cases by law, The U.S. remains as the only industrialized nation to not have paid parental leave

While many employers provide this option, it is not codified into U.S. law. Only seven non industrialized nations join the U.S. in this statistic. (Source: WORLD policy analysis center) Also, 70% of U.S. children grow up in a household where all adults are participating members of the U.S. workforce, a big difference from a few decades ago.

6. The top 5 most loved workplaces in America? Spotify, Dell, SAP, Wyndham Hotels, and Navy Federal Credit Union

This is according to the latest 2021 list released by Newsweek.

7. The #1 place to work in the U.S. for worker benefits? The nation’s capital.

According to data from Oxfam, Washington, D.C. ranks highest for high wage standards and strong worker protections.

8. Among its peers, the U.S. comes in last for worker benefits.

Benefits referring to health benefits, retirement, etc. This is also only compared to similarly developed nations (not including emerging nations). This is according to data compiled by HR software company, Zenefits.

9. American women earn 83 cents on the dollar compared with men.

This is according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For women of color, the disparity is even higher. The good news? The gap is lower among younger workers.

10. Support for labor unions among American workers is at a 57-year high even though membership has fallen since the 1980s.

This is according to a new Gallup poll. Union popularity is at a high this year as companies like Amazon and Starbucks face calls for unionization.

Americans need today's holiday, since we work more than anyone in the industrialized world. We also take fewer vacations, work longer days, and retire later. And the trend is not positive. One expert concluded back in 1990 that we work nearly one month more per year than in 1970, and time pressures have only gotten worse since.

We celebrate Labor Day because we are all in this world of work together. Let’s enjoy the fruits of our labor and the solidarity of workers, the work we do, and the nation and economy we and our parents and their parents have built. Happy Labor Day!

Happy Independence Day – Lean’s Freedom Lesson

Today, we celebrate Independence Day in the US. The 4th of July is an extremely patriotic holiday where we celebrate the independence of our country. People celebrate with family and friend gatherings, barbecues, parties, games, food, fun, festivals, parades, musical events and fireworks.

Freedom is not just the natural right of every human. It is the state of mind that enables people to create the greatest and the most inspiring things. The spirit of freedom gives us the power to conquer new heights, whether it is a real mountain peak or a bold business challenge.

Lean is all about finding better ways to do things, so that they require less effort, less time and fewer resources. It is not about cost reduction – penny-pinching, cutting investment, taking out people – it is about finding better ways to get work done. It is about developing a mindset, methods, and tools to identify and eliminate waste in all its forms at every opportunity. It is about freeing up resources because you no longer need to use them.

Lean manufacturing provides your workforce the freedom that they need to own and maximize their productivity. In a Lean production plant, the "freedom to control one's work" replaces the "mind numbing stress" of mass production. Armed with the skills they need to control their environment workers have the opportunity to think actively, even proactively to solve workplace problems.

Lean is more than the traditional metrics of improved efficiency, reduced costs and increased throughput. The people-centric approach to the application of Lean creates a better future, driven by empowered individuals working in teams, committed to continuous improvement. It is this culture of responsible freedom and trust that allows employees and their organization to realize the positive benefits of Lean and achieve a successful outcome.

Lean Manufacturing is a business method that extends employees independence.  It provides more employees with the tools, methods, and authority to make decisions. It creates teams to measure progress and devise new techniques. This leads to higher employee motivation and productivity as workers are asked to come up with solutions to problems as opposed to having to work with flawed procedures. There is much to be said for greater worker independence in the execution of a lean philosophy. We may not have a day to celebrate like the US but the message is no less important.

What Are You Thankful For This Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Day has evolved over the years as an important holiday. It is not just about feasting and merrymaking. The tradition of Thanksgiving dinner teaches us to appreciate the finer things in life. It is about showing one's gratitude for the blessings that we are showered with. In all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Thanksgiving, take a moment to focus on what being thankful is all about.

Being thankful for what we already have is probably the most powerful tool of positive thinking. The ability to notice what we already have and to consider ourselves blessed with it truly unlocks the door to abundance and to feeling good.

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, may we vow to live not just this day but every day with a grateful heart and to use our blessings to bless others.

I'm Thankful for You

Thanksgiving is the appointed time

for focusing on the good in our lives.

In each of our days,

we can find small blessings,

but too often we overlook them,

choosing instead to spend our time

paying attention to problems.

We give our energy

to those who cause us trouble

instead of those who bring peace.

Starting now,

let's be on the lookout

for the bits of pleasure in each hour,

and appreciate the people who

bring love and light to everyone

who is blessed to know them.

You are one of those people.

On Thanksgiving,

I'm thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Joanna Fuchs

Poemsource.com

I am thankful for you, the readers of A Lean Journey Blog. You make sharing my thoughts rewarding in so many ways. I wanted to take this time to resound my appreciation for your interest, dialogue, and support of me and A Lean Journey Blog.

Five Lessons the Fall Season Teaches Us About Life

The Fall season is my favorite time of year. It is a special time of the year, especially in New England. The trees produce a stunning explosion of color as the leaves change from green through yellow, orange, red and then turning to brown before falling to the ground. Trees are a wonderful example of the cyclical nature of life. No other season teaches us so many profound lessons about life.

Here are five life lessons that the fall season teaches us.

1. Embrace the change

Fall reminds us of the impermanence of life. It reminds us that change is inevitable! You’d think we’d get the hang of dealing with change yet it brings with it such fear that we can go to extraordinary lengths to avoid it. Fall shows us that far from shunning change natures achieves this transition effortlessly.

Fall shows us how to embrace change in glorious splendor. It reminds us to accept and flow with the change. Just like the falling leaves you have to let go in order to move forward, grow and heal. Periods of transition and change are often fraught with pain and crisis. But mindset is everything – if you can surrender to that change, trust the process, believe that the universe is working with you and that everything is happening for a reason then you can see your pain and accept change on a more comfortable setting. You can also sit in the knowledge that when the time is right you too will spring back to life and bloom again.

2. Learn to let go

Fall reminds us of the importance of letting go. It shows us that within the cycle of life there comes a time to let go and release those things that no longer serve us. Human nature encourages us to hold tightly to things and yet Fall shows us how to transition and surrender through this process in glorious technicolor.

All too often we cling to the past, hold our wounds tightly and get fixed and locked down with certain habits or mindsets. All of these ultimately cause us more suffering. Life is happier and easier when we can flow, surrender and let go.

3. The metaphor of healing

The four seasons are great metaphors on the process of pain and healing. When life throws us into chaos we tumble into the change and transition of Fall. When we are wounded and hurt we retreat and hunker down in the darkness of Winter. But there comes a time, just like Spring when we slowly start to re-emerge before the time comes when we finally lift our heads to the sun and emerge once again in the sunshine and laughter of Summer.

Wherever you are in this cycle try to surrender and flow with it. Trust that there is a process and journey to healing and rebirth. Healing is not linear it has peaks and troughs, highs and lows. Know that hindsight will give you many answers and that one day you will be able to back at a difficult time in life with insight. Often our darkest hours are the reason we shine so brightly.

4. Delight in the detail

Fall is a beautiful time and yet most of us go about our lives too busy and distracted to notice. Use this stunning season as a reminder to live more mindfully. To take a slower and more mindful pace to life and to notice the detail. Pay attention to the colors of the sky, the falling leaves, the sound of frost beneath your feet. The birds whose songs still chirrup bright and clear. Wherever you live to make it a habit to notice the changes taking place in the natural world around you.

5. Enjoy the little things in life

Finally, the fall season gives us a chance to appreciate the little things in life. A cup of hot aromatic tea, a warm blanket, a good book – these simple things can make us truly happy after being outdoors in the autumn cold. With the chilly weather and depressing images the fall brings to us, you realize the great power the little joys of life have.

Whether you like the fall season or not, you can’t deny that the lessons it teaches us about life are insightful and important.