Lean Requires Working IN the Business and ON the Business

Lean improvement involves both tactical and strategic efforts for high performance impact.

Tactical work is a term used to describe the actions that support day-to-day operations. Lean organizations make use of Daily Management systems, a structured process to focus employee’s actions to continuously improve their day-to-day work. Daily Management include activities like daily huddles, visual controls, leader standard work, Gemba walks, et al which empowers employees to identify potential process concerns, recommend potential solutions, and learn by implementing process changes. This is what I would call working IN the business.

Tactical work is the basis of operational effectiveness since it produces the impacts that are measured in evaluating performance. Because of this, changes in tactical efficiency are used to measure whether individual or departmental performance is improving or degrading.

Most improvements to tactical efficiency are incremental. This means that in the big scheme of things, incremental changes have a minimal impact on performance improvement. The main purpose of the daily management process is the enabling of robust “Check” and “Act” activities. An organization that places daily management at the core of its management system will be capable of identifying deviation as soon as it occurs and to initiate the problem solving process right away.

Such an organization will be best placed to deal with future challenges, because it has created a solid method for dealing with uncertainty and problems, and because it has continuously engaged and developed its people (the real value creators).

Strategic work on the other hand, is used to refer to actions that, while they are not integral to day-to-day operations, have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of tactical work by delivering step-function magnitude efficiency impacts. Many organizations have hard-working people putting their best efforts into areas that have little to no effect on strategic success. They’re essentially majoring in the minors—because their activities aren’t aligned with the priorities. Your strategy serves as the vehicle for answering the question, “How can we better align all our resources to maximize our strategic success?”

You need a strategy because it sets the direction and establishes priorities for your organization. It defines your organization’s view of success and prioritizes the activities that will make this view your reality. The strategy will help your people know what they should be working on, and what they should be working on first.

In Lean, Hoshin Kanri is the continuous improvement management process to deploy breakthrough strategies. The Hoshin Kanri process identifies and concentrates resources on the vital few stretch achievements that support the vision. It separates those performance issues that require dramatic improvement from the many incremental improvements that can achieved at the local level. It translates the strategic intent into the required day-to-day behavior. This is what I call working ON the business.

Incremental improvements are important in business but certainly can’t be the sole basis for achieving (or maintaining) world-class performance. Incremental positive impacts will always be overshadowed by strategic improvements, whether they are made within your company or by a competitor.

Strategy and tactics are both how you will achieve your goals and objectives. Strategy is our path or bridge for going from where we are today to our goal. Tactics then are how specifically or tangibly we will do that. Therefore, Lean requires working IN the business and well as working ON the business for true success.

Lean Quote: Leadership Is Not a Title or Position

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Being a leader doesn’t require a tittle; having a title doesn’t make you one."   — Anthony T. Eaton

Whilst position and authority provide you with the potential to lead, it does not make you a leader. You don’t suddenly become a leader just because you have a fancy new title. In fact, you don’t need a title to lead. Every day you can find examples of people with fancy titles that fail to demonstrate leadership.

Leadership has nothing to do with your position, rank, or authority. True leadership is not appointed, mandated, or assigned. If you’re going to make a difference, you will need to sharpen your leadership skills. This means improving your influence.

Here are some traits that embody a great boss:

Inspiration. They’re inspiring. They bring out the best in their employees. They don't micromanage. They create a positive workplace culture and give people wings to soar.

Integrity. It’s one thing to rouse employees with a moving speech, but to actually get employees to trust them is another thing. Great bosses are trustworthy. They’re accountable. They expect everyone to take responsibility for their actions, most of all themselves.

Humility. Great leaders don’t surround themselves with "yes employees." or need their ego to be constantly stroked. They consistently seek opportunities to help and serve others.

Empathy. Leaders who possess this trait are not only interested in the bottom line, but the people responsible for the bottom line. They understand the needs of their followers.

Decision-Making. They are great decision makers. They welcome honest feedback and are not afraid to seek out differing opinions, because their focus is doing what is best for all.

Support. They invest in people. Such managers push employees to grow and develop. They recommend and provide opportunities for staff to reach their full potential.

Humor. Running a business is no joke, but an amazing boss has to be able to see the humor in things. They are strong but light hearted. They don’t take themselves too seriously and put their employees at ease especially in tense situations. They have a great sense of humor.

Appreciation. They appreciate employees. Their passion is people. They make everyone they come into contact with, feel valued. When employees have a boss who truly appreciates them, they are willing to go the extra mile to ensure successful outcomes.

Leaders don’t just occupy positions, they exert influence in order to effect change. They influence people to achieve a common goal. They influence people to deliver excellence. They influence communities and organizations in a way that makes a positive impact. Ultimately, leaders influence by the way that they carry themselves and treat people. They lead by example.

You do not have to be in a formal position of leadership to actually lead–you can influence others where you are now. Do not let your lack of positional authority inhibit your ability to make a difference. You can lead where you are, and you can have a significant impact on the people around you and the organization of which you are a part — that’s leadership.

So instead of focusing on the position you do or do not have, how about focusing on your ability to influence others in a positive and significant way?

Book Review: The Resilient Leader

We’re all in a storm these days especially considering today’s contentious political, racial, and pandemic climates.  Building resilience in life isn’t as easy as it sounds, but with the right support, it might actually be simpler than you think. In The Resilient Leader, author Christine Perakis shares strategies you can use to navigate life and business. Christine tells her tale of surviving not one but two Category 5 hurricanes. But she does so by weaving leadership principles into her tale.

Christine Perakis has created seven resilience strategies that you can use to get through whatever your disruptive environment throws at you to create life and career invincibility and come through any challenge thriving.

In The Resilient Leader, she discusses:

• The 7 Barometers of Pandemic Preparedness for Small Businesses
• Barometer #1 – Create a float plan for success – one page strategic business plan
• Barometer #2 – “Keep on hand on the boat” – self-awareness, set the rules and lead by example
• Barometer #3 – Expedition planning and preparation allow for situational readiness – create systems to keep your team motivated
• Barometer #4 – Leadership vision – see possibilities of your situation, move forward as a leader
• Barometer #5 – Don’t go it alone – expand team capabilities
• Barometer #6 – Communication is critical – “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
• Barometer # 7 – Develop good judgement – practice good decision-making models
• The 3 Things Senior Leaders Must Do During a Crisis
• Create a new float plan, redefine your vision, and commit to deepening your relationships with people
• Creating a “Float Plan” For Dealing with Business Disruption
• Evaluating and Motivating Your Team During (and After) a Disaster
• How to Make Crucial Decisions Before It’s Too Late
• Creating a Communication Plan (both corporate and individual)

Life may not be smooth sailing, but with strategies to build strength, you can survive the storms to become invincible in any weather. It’s time to take control.

I would recommend this book to anyone along the journey of business improvement. The Resilient Leader is full of actionable wisdom from real life survival experience.

Free Bonus Materials from the Author

• Fillable Float Plan
• Marketing Barometer
• Mini-Audit Assessment Questions

Read a FREE excerpt from The Resilient Leader.

FREE Discussion Guide

Try using The Resilient Leader as part of your next training event, team meeting or book club! Our free discussion guide is the perfect companion to the book, and will help you get the most out of your event. Included are discussion points and questions that will help guide your team through this book. Download the guide now!

Three Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Employees This Labor Day

Labor Day is dedicated to celebrating the social and economic achievements of American workers and their contributions to our country’s welfare and prosperity.

It was created by the American labor movement in the late 19th century when many workers worked 12 hour days, seven days a week, often in unsafe conditions. With workers growing frustrated with their working conditions, low pay, and lack of breaks, labor unions became increasingly prominent in the U.S.

The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square. By celebrating their “workingmen’s holiday” they galvanized labor unions across the U.S. After widespread protests by labor unions, Congress officially acknowledged Labor Day as a national holiday in 1894.

Today, Labor Day usually means a day off to relax, have a barbecue, or go to a parade. But it’s also fitting to celebrate in the office. Labor Day is an opportunity for reflection on the workplace and the company’s culture. It’s also a great time to recognize your employees for their dedication.

You can make every day Labor Day with these three creative ways to celebrate your relationship with your employees.

Say “Thank You!”

Appreciation from higher-ups is always a great way to boost morale. Taking the time to write a personalized note of gratitude to each of your employees can go a long way. It shows employees that their efforts don’t go unnoticed and that their contributions to the company and their teams are valued.

Lend an Ear

There is always room for improvement in every workplace. Taking the time to listen to your employees' needs is a great place to start. You can either host an open forum to solicit feedback or allow your employees to submit anonymous comments.

Soliciting feedback on your company's culture can help foster a more open environment where communication flows freely. When the needs of your employees are heard and efforts to address them are made, everyone benefits from a more positive and productive workplace.

Employee Appreciation Celebration

Everyone benefits from a work break to laugh and socialize. Bring the office together for a Labor Day celebration, such as an ice cream social or a potluck lunch. It can be an effective way to relieve stress, build team relationships, and get to know your employees. The key is to give employees a rewarding experience that will make them feel appreciated.

Thanks to the efforts of many before us, we celebrate Labor Day and the social and economic achievements of American workers. Let’s honor their memory and continue evolving on how we celebrate employees every day.

Lean Quote: Do What You Love And Love What You Do; That’s The Only Way To Succeed

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."   — Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs said, Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.

So many people walk around in life “looking for” their passion. They look for it as if passion is some mysterious thing that is difficult to find and runs away once you find it. Yet, the problem is rarely lack of passion. Most of us already know what we love to do. We know what excites us, even if we haven’t done it for years. Instead, we focus on what we think we “must” do.

Yet for some people work is a way to support them doing what they truly love. It’s important to keep looking for ways to create a life where you get to do what you love; but don’t insist it all come from paid work.

Some of the most passionate and successful people we know worked in jobs where they contributed their talents and were paid well, but the work that mattered to them most was their art, music, helping the underserved, etc.

Many people claim they want to do something, yet they don’t do it. The truth is they might not really want to do it in the first place. We all end up following through on what matters most to us. We make decisions moment by moment about what we need to focus on. What we choose to do is what we deem most important in our lives.

 

Book Review: Lean Travel

Paul Akers is the founder and president of FastCap, a product development company specializing in woodworking tools and hardware for the professional builder. Paul is an energetic speaker whose core passion is helping people discover their full potential and showing others how to implement Lean in their business and personal life.

Paul learned to embrace adventure and pursue excellence from his father when he earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the young age of 14. About 10 years ago, Paul decided that he wanted to become a world-class giver. From experience in order to have a great travel experience, you must approach it from the standpoint that you are going to treat all the people you encounter with dignity and respect, understanding that they are working hard to help you have a great trip. If you regularly give them your respect, your smile, your encouragement, and your gratitude, your travel will be a blessing!

In addition to being grateful, another way to make your travel experience more fulfilling is to live by the adage that "less is more". In a Lean Travel context, this means travel light. simple two-second improvement can make travel more effective and enjoyable.

Paul is now an avid traveler and shares his advice and tips for making travel easy and efficient in his book “Lean Travel”. He ties everything back to lean concepts and the 8 forms of waste.

To make it easier for readers, Paul includes a section that explicitly summarizes it into just one simple concept. For example, in his first book, 2 Second Lean, the goal was to teach the reader to “learn to see waste.” In his second book, Lean Health, he said he wanted you to “treat your body like you would treat a Ferrari.” With Lean Travel, he wanted to show you how to “travel light and with a grateful heart.”

As you start this book, there are two main parts of his philosophy understand. First, what you give in the travel experience will have a profound impact on how much you enjoy it. Second, the less you bring and the lighter you travel, the more you will be able to feel and adapt to the fantastic trade winds of the travel experience. So travel with a full heart and a light suitcase!

This book teaches you how he applied Lean principals in an edgy way to improve every aspect of the way he travels. If you love travel and adventure you’ll enjoy the stories and tips to make your next trip better. If you are Lean enthusiast like Paul and myself they’ll enjoy the application of lean thinking in a personal way.

Paul offers the book for free online with many resources and videos to support his teachings. If you have a chance to listen to the audio you’ll enjoy the many off script additions that show his personality and make it an adventure.