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Some Questions for Managers
February 3, 2008

Some rhetorical questions to managers who say they want to "be Lean":

• Do you properly train new employees or do you just throw them into the job to figure it out themselves?
• Do you label those who speak up and identify problems (those asking for help) as trouble-makers?
• Have you provided tools and equipment that work properly and support the employees in their work?
• Do you know what problems your employees are facing? Have you seen why they aren't making their numbers or providing the proper level of service?
• Are you seen as a help or a hindrance by your employees? Are you seen by them at all?

If the answer to those questions is "yes" (and there are still workplaces where this is the case), is "Lean" really the first step you should take as an organization? If the leaders aren't willing to look in the mirror, asking "What will I do differently to help lead this organization?", is the "Lean" effort worthwhile?

For those who are wondering what prompts the questions.... an anonymous email.... from, of all places... a hospital. Not some backward "knuckle-dragging" 1970's era Taylorist factory (I say that tongue-in-cheek)... So much work to do in healthcare...

Posted by Mark Graban on February 3, 2008 | Comments (0)