The basic principles of Lean Leadership

Lean Leadership is a prominent phrase throughout the corporate sector– but what exactly does it encompass?

In its original definition, Lean refers to a form of continual improvement, with the term coined by motor giant Toyota. Whereas the expression was once mutually exclusive with the manufacturing industry, these days it is applicable to a range of industries including professional services, healthcare and accounting.

Lean Leadership, in its basic form, aims to push people out of their comfort zones and face constant innovation and new processes.

When implemented successfully, it reduces waste and ineffective time usage, resulting in increased overall company performances and bottom line.

Some of the key attributes possessed by Lean Leaders include:

·       Defining success – Lean Leadership has an emphasis on a positive work-life balance. While many managers, executives and CEOs have professional objectives and goals, truly strong leaders also have personal mission statements and targets away from the office.

·       Understanding yourself – Many people have inaccurate perceptions of their own skills and abilities, regardless of whether they are overestimating or underestimating their capabilities. Lead Leadership focuses on 360 degree feedback to improve a leader’s understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

·       Knowing when to follow – A strong leader inspires other people to follow them. But it is not always necessary to lead – the best leaders of all can identify when to take a backseat and allow somebody else to take ownership of a project or task. Empowering others allows them, in turn, to improve their own leadership skills.

·       Ability to challenge the status quo – The desire for continuous improvement and the quest for perfection are Lean Leadership priorities. To achieve these goals, some leaders may on occasion need to challenge popular or prevalent perceptions within the workplace.

Most Lean Leadership programs will commence with a Lean Maturity Audit, assessing your workplace and each department against world’s best practice to identify operational performance gaps.