LEAN BITES: be a Gardener-a key to a successful Lean transformation

LEAN is about developing people and improving processes.
I believe having a gardening mindset can help create the right environment leading to a successful Lean transformation.
A gardener will take inputs and via a well thought through strategy and plan, create an outcome that not only benefits the garden but the whole environment.
It starts with a single seed or a seedling but to get the best outcome, we need to have a plan to nurture it, to check its’ growth and act accordingly.
Your front-line team members, your staff, your people are those seedlings. It’s our responsibility as leaders to nurture them, so they become the best people they can be.
Strategically placing the seedling into the soil (work environment) is only the start. I’ve developed a few tips that will help you be a great gardener.
1. Tend the soil-create a work environment where people will thrive. When planting new seedlings ensure they’re not standing alone.
2. Be a servant leader-have the mindset that you’re there to serve your people, put them first.
3. Recognise that every tree has a different shape-encourage your people to be themselves, to contribute, if they offer ideas respect the idea and the person it came from.
4. Go See-don’t manage your people from your desk but go to the gemba to see for yourself, ask questions, listen and learn.
5. Trim don’t chop-trimming is about minor adjustments whilst chopping is slashing growth that’s taken years to grow, give regular and specific feedback to your people.
6. Care-create a physically and psychologically safe environment. Stop the pest from eating away at the leaves (which are the poor processes that cause frustration & waste).
I’m sure this will help you on your journey towards a successful LEAN transformation.