I listened in while on hold with the president of a manufacturing company. He was speaking with some of his managers about an efficiency issue. “It’s stupid to be looking for carts,” he said. “It’s a waste. Get with your team and see how to apply lean here.”
His words didn’t just address the issue – they affirmed the company commitment to the lean management approach. Strong leaders tie day-to-day activities into the bigger picture. What we say each day either reenforces or undermines the bigger direction. Big declarations start the process, but the real power comes in day-to-day conversations.
You may not run a manufacturing company – but, do your daily words reflect what you say you stand for?