What’s the easiest way for a LEAN Transformation to “Stick”?
You can have a Superglue or Velcro approach. With Lean we have to pivot, adjust & move to be successful. Superglue won’t do that. Trying to move will break what we’ve created. But if we apply LEAN with the flexibility of Velcro, it will be successful.
Firstly, LEAN is not meant to be complicated or academic to work.
There are 5 keys that I’ve employed as part of my “VELCRO” approach:
1. Key stakeholders. Ensure they’re engaged from the start. Not only the senior leadership team and key decision makers but those running departments.
2. Strategy. Decide how you’re going to do this right from the start. Determine what components are going to be deployed. Ensure everyone has a part to play.
3. Training. Make it tactical, don’t roll out training across your business without a practical application. Don’t blanket train but apply a staged approach. Equip your people with the right skills as they’re needed.
4. Implementation. Build a plan right from the start. Look for areas where you can get quick wins to build momentum. My preference is to start with daily visual management or daily stand-up meetings (preferably Level 2 or Tier 2) as a way of measuring current state versus target and empowering teams to close the gap.
5. Communication. This is absolutely critically important not just at the start but all the way through your journey. Share your vision, share your strategy, share your plan and provide clear and simple updates regularly.
I believe this will help you in making your transformation “Stick”.