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This Week’s Topic:
The Most Neglected Lean Team Member
Question: Although we have been actively engaged in Lean and Six Sigma for some time, the financial results have not met management’s expectations. We need to re-energize our Lean Steering Committee and drive for improved results. How can we make our team more effective?
Insight: The subject of this simple question has spawned many very long books on how to best organize for Lean Six Sigma results. But from our experience, one short tip comes to mind.
Too many Lean Six Sigma efforts become inwardly focused on operational topics such as inventory reduction, set-up improvements, manufacturing cycle time reduction and so on. While these are necessary and worthwhile tactical objectives, their value is limited compared to the strategic value of developing a competitive advantage that impacts the top line (sales). And, no one is better at finding a way to accomplish this than an enthusiastic sales and marketing Lean Steering Team member.
Warning: this may not be easy! Few sales and marketing people immediately grasp how operational improvements affect them. As a result, most Lean teams try to function without this critical point of view. However, if you take the time to help Sales and Marketing see WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) your Lean Six Sigma efforts can transition from delivering modest operational savings to a way to transform the business.
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If you have a topic that you would like addressed, or an insight you would like to pass along, e-mail us at: Jack.Rink@rmdonovan.com
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