Introduction

Welcome to episode 53 of the Enterprise Excellence Podcast. Today we are chatting again with Mr David Mann in the final instalment of this 2 part chat. In the previous episode with David, we discussed creating a Lean management system with visual controls at the front line to capture the green and red actions hour by hour. In a red case, the frontline workers are asked what they believe caused the delay and that initial data is collected. This data goes to an accountability meeting, which involves the cross-functional support people above. And then another visual accountability system is created off the back of that meeting, where you're committing to get things fixed and solved. We talked about showing employees respect by asking them to contribute to problems that aggravate them daily. The Lean system that David developed had a powerful positive effect on how people think about the place where they come to work every day. It is a great episode to listen to before this one if you have the chance.

Today we chat about middle management and senior management in the Lean System and whether their skin in the improvement game is vital. 

We are proudly sponsored by S A Partners, a world-leading business transformation consultancy.

Two Minute Tip: Go to the Place, Look at the Process, Talk to the People.

 

32:43min So I would go to the place. Look at the process, you know, the owner of the chalk circle, talk to the people. And consider that what you're looking for is the health of the production system at the front line. So getting a coffee cup and a T-shirt with the month's program is very different from going and seeing yourself, and I think that element is really straight Toyota. Go to the floor scope, go look for yourself, and be well enough prepared that you can evaluate what you're seeing. And where intervention is called for, you have the resources and knowledge to at least call for intervention; if not, do the intervention yourself.

Key Takeaways

1. Make challenges visible

2. Lead and support the teams creating value

David mentioned the importance of leadership going to where value is created in their organisations to learn. From this learning, they can reflect and take action to improve themselves or help others if needed to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement. David also mentioned the importance of the team huddle above the front line team. This huddle is critical to overcoming impediments and supporting continuous improvement where value is created. Front line teams can't do everything themselves; they are busy producing the value. They need support from other teams to overcome challenges and improve for their customers.

What next?

1. Connect with David Mann - not the motorcycle artist! via his website: https://dmannlean.com
2. Listen to Episode #52 Part 1 with David Mann to listen to Lean on the frontline.
3.  Join our membership page to access David's Lean Management System Form.
4. Read article - Lean for Frontline.

Brad is proud to support many Australian businesses. You can find him on LinkedIn here. If you'd like to speak to him about how he can help your business, call him on 0402 448 445 or email [email protected]. Our website is www.bradjeavons.com.

To learn more about what we do, visit https://enterpriseexcellencegroup.com.au/
Thanks for your time, and thanks for helping to create a better future.