What do we work on? Enlist the 3 E’s for the answer!
To answer this, you need to take a deeper look at what your goal is. Ensuring that you have the correct lean goals will help you focus on proper project selection. The first step is to lead with open eyes, being able to clearly see the operational wastes that are not in alignment with your strategy. Often we are blinded by old systems, processes and measurement tools that hold us back from making real breakthrough results.
So back to the initial question, “What do we work on?” This may not be as easy to answer due to incorrectly focusing on the wrong measurements. The last thing that should be in your selection criteria for lean projects, is cost savings and headcount reduction, as these will not give your lean journey solid legs to make continuous incremental improvements.
Instead, empower your people to drive wins in their daily activity. Develop a real suggestion system in which the people can immediately become engaged in the solutions.
You have heard it over and over, keep hitting singles and the runs will pile up, or swing for the fences and you will have more strikeouts. Quick win Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PCDA) Check-ins can get everyone involved. This will then expand the lean knowledge base across the company so the big projects stand a better chance of getting a grand slam instead of just a home run. Encouragement, Engagement and Empowerment are your biggest allies– not driving to some artificial short term cost savings number. Find ways to get the people involved and Go to the Gemba to see the work in action so they know you really care.
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