Lean Strategies International
Menu

Listen to the Gemba

Would you like to submit a post on Listen to the Gemba?  
Click Here to Submit Your Continuous Improvement Post!

"Managing Change" in a new chapter.

11/29/2016

0 Comments

 
Lean Transformation
  Ask anybody who has been through a "lean transformation" or strategic implementation of some type and they certainly will share with you that one of the greatest challenges associated with real change comes in the form of behavioral change.  We as humans have a tendency to revert back to our natural "ways" as we go through or experience change of any type.  Change itself can be a scary term.  The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the term in two different forms:
  • to make different in some particular: Alter
  • to replace with another.
Replace, different, alter these terms can leave employees wondering: "where do I stand in all this change?"  When this happens one of two paths become prevalent: go with the change or cling tighter to what you currently do.  The only way to combat these often-hidden fears and uneasy emotions of "change," is to openly deal with each barrier one by one and include employees in the process.  Here are five tips that will help employees better understand change and feel more comfortable being a part of the "new chapter."
​
  1. Communicate the direction of the organization with employees.  If the workforce understands the vision of the company at all levels and they understand how lean and six sigma support that vision they are much more likely to accept the change.  
2.  Talking is one thing, doing is another and witnessing is proof.  Top management should show up for kickoffs, be a part of kaizen events and support teams as much as they possibly can.  They can tell people in town halls, newsletters, email blasts and posters, but if people see them doing, it becomes proof of leaderships level of commitment to the Lean or Six Sigma strategy.  As leadership begins to provide funding, support and testimony
Picture
of implementation and change it will drive mid-level managers, frontline supervisors and ground level employees to accept and be a part of the change too.

3.  Set clearly laid out targets that can be measured.  knowing where you are headed is one thing and establishing tollgates or checkpoints that are measurable is another.  Change is best done little by little and all parties should understand how successful implementation is defined.  At each successful stage of implementation communication can be shared with the organization and rewards and recognition given for outstanding effort.  Rewards and recognition can help reinforce positive change and acknowledgement of success.  

4.  Train and prepare everyone.  All employees should be a part of at least a basic educational training in Lean and Six Sigma. 

5.  Lean and Six Sigma implementation is not a blitz.  Both strategies take time to develop as the behaviors and culture of the organization align.  You will need to ensure that implementation has enough time for the new tools, methodologies, principles, behavior and culture to firmly take root.  This can range from a year to five years.  You will be much better off with a sustainable strategy in place than a few clean areas.  Sufficient time can be helpful for employees who do not yet understand that lean is a long-term strategy and their support is needed for the "long-haul."

  While these five tips will help in managing the changes that naturally come with Lean and Six Sigma initiatives it is also important to be aware and prepare for resistance.  Like a book pages sometimes need to be turned and paragraphs edited, it is best to have a plan in place prior to implementation that will help you manage forms of resistance.  Taking these steps will help you ensure that when it comes time to publish your story, it's a success.
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Click Here to Submit Your Post on Listen to the Gemba.

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    March 2019
    January 2019
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015

    Categories

    All
    7 Management/Planning Tools
    Cause Effect
    Continuous Improvement
    Just In Time
    Lean-and-quality
    Lean-and-quality
    Lean-assessment
    Lean Basics
    Lean Courses
    Lean Holidays
    Lean Leadership
    Lean Metrics
    Lean Sales And Marketing
    Lean Six Sigma Basics
    Lean Strategy
    Lean Tools
    MRP/ERP
    Q&A
    REDUCE/SMED
    Six Sigma Tools
    Standardization
    Submit A Blog Post
    Top 20 Lean Tips
    Updates
    Waste

    Recommended Readings

    Lean and Six Sigma Recommended Readings
    Visit our Recommended Reading Page for some great Lean and Six Sigma Books.
Lean Strategies International LLC.
Follow Us on YouTube or Our Other Channels Below.
             ©2015-2021 Lean Strategies International LLC.  
  • Home Page
  • Services
    • Training >
      • Waste Training
      • Introduction to Lean
      • Lean Champions >
        • Lean Six Sigma White Belt
        • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
      • Lean Tools You Can Use Series! >
        • The 5S System
        • The ©Gemba Methodology
        • The FISH Methodology
        • The CURE Methodology
        • Quick Changeover with REDUCE
        • Mistake Proofing and the Poka Yoke System
        • The Just in Time System
  • Lean Resources
    • Listen to The Gemba
    • Glossary
    • Lean and Six Sigma Quotes
    • Recommended Reading
    • Events
    • Masters of Lean and Six Sigma
    • Career /Jobs
  • Store
    • Workspace
  • Home Page
  • Services
    • Training >
      • Waste Training
      • Introduction to Lean
      • Lean Champions >
        • Lean Six Sigma White Belt
        • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
      • Lean Tools You Can Use Series! >
        • The 5S System
        • The ©Gemba Methodology
        • The FISH Methodology
        • The CURE Methodology
        • Quick Changeover with REDUCE
        • Mistake Proofing and the Poka Yoke System
        • The Just in Time System
  • Lean Resources
    • Listen to The Gemba
    • Glossary
    • Lean and Six Sigma Quotes
    • Recommended Reading
    • Events
    • Masters of Lean and Six Sigma
    • Career /Jobs
  • Store
    • Workspace