Yousuf is a young Lean leader in an organization which is planning to
implement lean. After 2 years of persistent effort, there is a light at
the end of the tunnel. Though it was hard to get it but he was
consistent and persistent in working towards it. Now people have started
realizing the benefits of lean and management is happy with the lean
transformation that has happened. CEO of the organization has praised
him for his tremendous efforts despite resistance to change from every
corner.
Yousuf's characteristics of being Self Motivated, Persistent, Courageous, Authentic, Upstanding and Respectful helped him in achieving this difficult task. These are few of many other characteristics that he posses, however these are the most critical ones without which he would have failed.
The most common challenges that lean leaders face while implementing lean is "Resistance to change", "Lack of bandwidth to take enough initiatives" and "Inability to show quick returns to management, hence lack of interest and support". These challenges are enough to create an atmosphere filled with frustration around Lean leader. People will often quit in this kind of atmosphere or least would not be able to give their 100 %.
In this article i would like to emphasize the most important trait of a successful lean leader, "Desire to change against all odds". Absence of this critical trait in lean leaders may prove to be fatal for lean initiative and may dampen management efforts of lean transformation. This trait is exclusive to handful of people. It's in their DNA. They are born problem solvers and have the desire to implement change.
However "Desire to change" alone will not help. There are certain enablers or sub-characteristics that helps a lean leader in achieving lean transformation by successfully leading and implementing change. The most critical one is "Self Motivation and Persistence". Lean leaders keep their spirit high all the time by following a Mantra of Self-Motivating themselves. Self-Motivation is the key enabler that doesn't allow the lean leader to lose focus and momentum. This makes them self-reliant and able to take responsibility. During the initial phase of lean implementation when the task is to take people and management on board or seek management buy-in by making them understand the benefits of lean
Yousuf's characteristics of being Self Motivated, Persistent, Courageous, Authentic, Upstanding and Respectful helped him in achieving this difficult task. These are few of many other characteristics that he posses, however these are the most critical ones without which he would have failed.
The most common challenges that lean leaders face while implementing lean is "Resistance to change", "Lack of bandwidth to take enough initiatives" and "Inability to show quick returns to management, hence lack of interest and support". These challenges are enough to create an atmosphere filled with frustration around Lean leader. People will often quit in this kind of atmosphere or least would not be able to give their 100 %.
In this article i would like to emphasize the most important trait of a successful lean leader, "Desire to change against all odds". Absence of this critical trait in lean leaders may prove to be fatal for lean initiative and may dampen management efforts of lean transformation. This trait is exclusive to handful of people. It's in their DNA. They are born problem solvers and have the desire to implement change.
However "Desire to change" alone will not help. There are certain enablers or sub-characteristics that helps a lean leader in achieving lean transformation by successfully leading and implementing change. The most critical one is "Self Motivation and Persistence". Lean leaders keep their spirit high all the time by following a Mantra of Self-Motivating themselves. Self-Motivation is the key enabler that doesn't allow the lean leader to lose focus and momentum. This makes them self-reliant and able to take responsibility. During the initial phase of lean implementation when the task is to take people and management on board or seek management buy-in by making them understand the benefits of lean
since
it is an unknown territory for them , many lean efforts fails even
before they kick-off. However a lean leader would not let a lean effort
collapse at this stage if he remains self-motivated and persistent in
his effort. This quality helps them during further phases of lean
transformation when there is a resistance to change and lack of
bandwidth to take enough initiatives.
Second most important enabler is "Authenticity". There is no doubt that authentic leaders are self-aware and genuine. Lean Leaders have a charisma characterized by high morale and ethical standards that builds people trust. They lead with their heart. Successful lean transformation is only possible through engagement of every individual in an organization and cultivating the thought that lean is everyone's responsibility. The challenge faced by lean leaders is that they are only facilitators with no authority over resources. In this situation the lean leader builds relationship on solid moral and ethical foundation. This helps them creating an environment of openness and trust and leveraging it for passing of knowledge. They teach and implement lean not by showing authoritarian behavior but by engaging people.
Next most important enabler is "Respect for people". Any program would fail if it does not consider the element of respecting people. Many would consider it a common sense but unfortunately too many people sometimes forget this basic human courtesy, especially in the workplace. Lean leaders shows this quality by giving people the responsibilities to make decision while executing lean projects.
The trait of "Desire to change" along with other three enablers as mentioned above are difficult to learn. They are rarely seen in an individual in appropriate proportion. It comes as a package in the persons DNA and that makes him a Leader Born, Not Made.
Join me on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lean-leaders-born-made-mohammad-jaid-alam-six-sigma-black-belt
Second most important enabler is "Authenticity". There is no doubt that authentic leaders are self-aware and genuine. Lean Leaders have a charisma characterized by high morale and ethical standards that builds people trust. They lead with their heart. Successful lean transformation is only possible through engagement of every individual in an organization and cultivating the thought that lean is everyone's responsibility. The challenge faced by lean leaders is that they are only facilitators with no authority over resources. In this situation the lean leader builds relationship on solid moral and ethical foundation. This helps them creating an environment of openness and trust and leveraging it for passing of knowledge. They teach and implement lean not by showing authoritarian behavior but by engaging people.
Next most important enabler is "Respect for people". Any program would fail if it does not consider the element of respecting people. Many would consider it a common sense but unfortunately too many people sometimes forget this basic human courtesy, especially in the workplace. Lean leaders shows this quality by giving people the responsibilities to make decision while executing lean projects.
The trait of "Desire to change" along with other three enablers as mentioned above are difficult to learn. They are rarely seen in an individual in appropriate proportion. It comes as a package in the persons DNA and that makes him a Leader Born, Not Made.
Join me on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lean-leaders-born-made-mohammad-jaid-alam-six-sigma-black-belt
