A Lean Journey 
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.
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing.” — Albert Schweitzer
Good leaders must lead by example. By walking your talk, you
become a person others want to follow. When leaders say one thing, but do
another, they erode trust–a critical element of productive leadership. Here
are 10 of the many ways to lead by example.
become a person others want to follow. When leaders say one thing, but do
another, they erode trust–a critical element of productive leadership. Here
are 10 of the many ways to lead by example.
1. Take responsibility. Blame costs you your credibility,
keeps team members on the defensive and ultimately sabotages real growth.
keeps team members on the defensive and ultimately sabotages real growth.
2. Be truthful. Inaccurate representation affects everyone.
Show that honesty really IS the best policy.
Show that honesty really IS the best policy.
3. Be courageous. Walk through fire (a crisis) first. Take
calculated risks that demonstrate commitment to a larger purpose.
calculated risks that demonstrate commitment to a larger purpose.
4. Acknowledge failure. It makes it OK for your team to do
the same and defines failure as part of the process of becoming extraordinary.
the same and defines failure as part of the process of becoming extraordinary.
5. Be persistent. Try, try again. Go over, under or around
any hurdles to show that obstacles don’t define your company or team.
any hurdles to show that obstacles don’t define your company or team.
6. Create solutions. Don’t dwell on problems; instead be the
first to offer solutions and then ask your team for more.
first to offer solutions and then ask your team for more.
7. Listen. Ask questions. Seek to understand. You’ll receive
valuable insights and set a tone that encourages healthy dialogue.
valuable insights and set a tone that encourages healthy dialogue.
8. Delegate liberally. Encourage an atmosphere in which
people can focus on their core strengths.
people can focus on their core strengths.
9. Take care of yourself. Exercise, don’t overwork, take a
break. A balanced team, mentally and physically, is a successful team. Model
it, encourage it, support it!
break. A balanced team, mentally and physically, is a successful team. Model
it, encourage it, support it!
10. Roll up your sleeves. Like Alexander the Great leading
his men into battle, you’ll inspire greatness in your company.
his men into battle, you’ll inspire greatness in your company.
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