How to Develop Inclusive Lean Leadership Training
Dr. Anthony Kenneson-Adams DBA. FIoL. Head of Learning and Knowledge Transfer Project7 Consultancy
Posted 9/5/2024
Training the next generation of Lean leaders (lean leadership training) is a multifaceted process that encompasses education, practical experience, and tailored continuous development focused specifically on developing promoters of business performance. Particularly important in achieving this performance is to build cultures where inclusive leadership can thrive.
To be successful in this it is essential to remember that it is People + Process = Performance. Thus, your training cannot just be about the tools of Lean, but also nurturing the people who will both implement and sustain the tools. Read Part 1 and Part 2 of this Lean Leadership series to catch up!
Here are some ideas that I have promoted through my career that may also resonate with you as you develop your own inclusive leadership training.
- Diverse Learning and Development Opportunities: Ensure that the curriculum for leadership development includes diverse perspectives, practical expertise and actual case studies. Try to use your own staff to share their experiences of your business. Apply learnings directly from their experience to real-world projects so that you not only get an ROI but that the training reinforces your own business culture.
- Workshops and Seminars: Based on the size of your business, conduct or support workshops either on site or online covering the basics of Lean principles, such as the leadership models, 5S methodology, value stream mapping, Kaizen, and waste identification.
- Culture before tools: Focus on teaching and nurturing your Lean Leadership culture before getting too fixated on Lean ‘belt courses’. It is the culture that will change your business not simply the tools.
- If you decide that you do not have the internal capacity to drive your leadership program, selectively choose an external provider that can adapt their training courses to meet your specific needs. The 10-day, Project7 Lean Leadership and Management Academy certified to ILM Level 5 was specifically designed to meet this need, and having trained over 15000 delegates over the past 19 years we know what will work in your business. Learn more here.
Advanced inclusive Lean Leadership Techniques: Developing training is also about continuous improvement so once you have established a basic Lean culture, you should learn from your experience and then move on to more in-depth training which is validated by hands-on experience.
- Follow-on and more in-depth training provides exposure to specific Lean tools and techniques, such as Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Total Productive Maintenance Training (TMPT), Just-In-Time (JIT) production, and error-proofing (Poka-Yoke).
- Developing Gemba: Develop Gemba walks using KATA. This is particularly useful for your developing leaders to engage with employees and identify further areas for improvement. Pair new leaders with experienced Lean practitioners during Gemba walks for guidance and knowledge sharing. Every interaction is an opportunity.
- Kaizen Events: Encourage potential leaders to facilitate their own Kaizen events to solve real-world problems, encouraging them to ‘learn by doing.’
- Project-Based Learning: Encourage learning using Participatory Action Learning in teams. Start with small, manageable Lean projects to build confidence and experience. Gradually increase the complexity and scope of projects as leaders gain more experience and demonstrate capability.
- Mentoring and Coaching: Establish mentoring programs where experienced Lean leaders guide and support new leaders. Consider hiring external Lean coaches for specialized training and objective feedback.
- Change Management: Educate new Lean leaders on change management principles to help them guide teams through Lean transformations using models such as Cotter’s 8 Steps or the Project7 RESPECT program. Teach strategies for engaging and motivating employees to embrace Lean initiatives.
Training new Lean leaders involves a comprehensive approach that combines structured education, practical experience, continuous development, and performance feedback. By focusing on these areas, organizations can effectively develop their own leaders who can drive Lean transformation and sustain continuous improvement efforts within their own culture of excellence.
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