LEAN LADIES | LBCC 2.04

I believe that Lean expands the mindset of traditional management systems making it more inclusive of all individuals. it’s more about how we solve problems rather than controlling the environment we are in. What’s your experience? Is our personal life much different?

The WHY: we are surrounded with opportunities to identify and fix problems…From our workplaces to our families and personal relationships. Does gender play a role in the effectiveness of the solutions applied?

The WIIFM: If we are surrounded by opportunities to identify and fix problems, the quality of the solution we implemented directly impacts our personal and professional relationships. I believe, if we are able to appropriately identify the problem we are trying to solve, by using a lean mindset, we are able to successfully eliminate or reduce the impact of the storms (issues, problems or opportunities) we face. Regardless of gender. we all can benefit from learning and appreciating our differences…This will lead to better solutions and inclusion.

my Advice: As a Lean Lady myself, I know that I play a HUGE role in the perception of the other women around me. I believe we are in a better place today than we were yesterday and we need to recognize the good and not dwell on the negatives of the past. It is my responsibility to uplift the other women in our respective industries. Don’t fall into the trap of belittling anyone, it isn’t worth it and in the end…You’ll be the bad person.

LEAN LADIES: Women that are continuously evaluating and trying to improve their surroundings. These individuals are usually well trained or being trained in Lean principles. They have the Lean spirit and mindset and are willing to try, try, try.

• PERSONALLY: I think women are naturally drawn to a Lean type mindset. Most of the women that I associate with are constantly trying to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. They look for solutions and ways to uplift others. Their first intention is to be kind. They may not be trained in Lean, but in a lot of ways they are emulating lean concepts in their own way. I think that’s why Lean has resonated so well with me; the Lean philosophy feels natural and right.
• PROFESSIONALLY: I believe that Lean environments have an advantage over non-Lean environments in terms of culture change and inclusion. Having worked in both types of environments, I can say that I felt more heard, cared for, and had more opportunity in the Lean environments than I did in Non-Lean. I also feel like the Lean Environments encouraged good leadership behavior. poor leadership has a harder time “hiding” in a Lean environment. Not only that, but issues amongst the staff are immediately dealt with and not allowed to damage the culture…

There is no “magic solution” to establishing a great Management System. All organizations have flaws and imperfections. But if our desire is to try, try, try and learn from those flaws and mistakes; we are headed in the right direction! That’s the Lean mindset needed for all individuals to flourish, regardless of gender. A Lean mindset teaches that failure is just an opportunity to learn and try again. The mindset earned through process improvement and culture change really does change the individual and the systems they interact with.

If you or your organization are looking to develop or improve your culture, feel free to contact Leanbrella to learn more about your Culture Climate and Lean Journey. We would be more than happy to support you in your efforts…