Emma BennetGreetings to all! It’s Emma Bennett, your Business Improvement Consultant and Coach, eager to explore our lean leadership journey more. You might remember from our previous discussion where we just skimmed the surface of what it means to be a lean leader. Today, we’re going to delve a little deeper. I’ll be sharing with you some hands-on strategies that have been pivotal in my own journey towards embodying lean leadership, with the hope that they could guide you as well.
Firstly, let’s consider curiosity – a quality that has served me well in my career. Embrace the habit of asking “why”. It’s a straightforward question, but one that often uncovers layers of information and insights. Why are we following this particular process? Why did this issue crop up? When we ask “why”, we’re prompting ourselves and others to think critically, to examine the underlying causes of issues, and in doing so, we’re better equipped to solve problems at their root.
The next strategy is one I personally hold dear – investing in people. Lean leadership isn’t just about perfecting processes; it’s about nurturing people, cultivating their potential. I’ve learned over the years that dedicating time to coach and mentor my team not only fosters professional growth, but it also creates a stronger, more resilient team dynamic. I want to highlight here that every individual has unique abilities and potential that might not be immediately apparent. Engage with your team, and get to know them beyond their job descriptions. You might uncover talents that could be incredibly beneficial to your organization.
The third facet of lean leadership I want to share is the principle of continuous improvement. Never settle for ‘good enough’; there’s always room for enhancement, whether it’s a minor procedural adjustment or a comprehensive service redesign. Our ultimate goal remains unaltered – to deliver more value, more efficiently to our customers.
Another significant principle I’ve adhered to in my journey is seeing failures as learning opportunities. In a lean culture, failure isn’t a negative outcome, but a chance to grow and improve. When things don’t turn out as planned, see it as a stepping stone, a lesson to be learned. Encourage your team to adopt this perspective too, building a culture where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth, not something to be feared.
Finally, embody respect and transparency in your leadership style. This involves treating everyone with dignity, actively listening to their opinions, and genuinely valuing their contributions. In my experience, a respectful work environment enhances a sense of belonging and motivates individuals to give their best, further fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Embracing the lean leadership mindset isn’t a quick transformation. It’s a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a sincere commitment to change. Rest assured, once you begin to incorporate these practices, you’ll start to see a positive transformation – within yourself, your team, and your broader organization.
Remember, every step you take towards becoming a lean leader gets you closer to creating an efficient, value-driven organization. Take some time to reflect on these strategies, ponder how they resonate with your personal leadership style, and consider how you can integrate them into your daily practice.
Stay curious, be patient with yourself, and keep on learning. We’re on this journey together, and I can’t wait to see where it leads us!
Until next time,
Happy Learning!
Emma Bennett
Business Improvement Consultant and Coach
