You will normally find two management styles when the management TEAM is asked to resolve a problem: The "office" management style and the "go & see" style.
The office management style will meet around the office table to discuss the issues and make their assumptions and analysis from a distance. They will probably use powerpoint slides ,will make speculations and analysis based on historical data and will raise different solutions to resolve the issue… all of this will be done from distance without going to the area where the problem occurred . Leaders are busy and often require to make many decisions every day ,and in many cases they are not able to go and see by themselves each and every problem on the shop floor.
I don’t argue that there is no need to meet around the table but this should become as a second step…… the first step is to go to the area and see the problems . At least the critical ones.
The Genchi Genbutsu ("GO & SEE") leadership style is to FIRST go down to area where the problem occurred ,whether it is on the shop floor, parking area or the warehouse.
Taking this approach makes a huge difference! When a leader sees the problems in his own eyes he can get a better understanding of the issues and the challenges that the team is facing.
It provides the opportunity to talk with employees on the shop floor who actually performed the work and ask questions ,he can brainstorming WITH THEM ,and LEARN by seeing not only the specific area where the problem occurred, but he can see and learn from first hand the work environment as well.
I will summarize by using the words of Toyota Chairman Fujio Cho, "Go see, ask why, show respect" ......................this are the basic principles of lean and I believe we should all learn and embrace those words into our leadership style.. How Fujio Chos' words effect you ?
As always ,
See you on your next Swell Venture and don't forget
Every Day Is Day One!
Comments