One of the biggest challenges implementing Lean in any organization is getting buy-in.

Employees fear that someone who thinks they are smarter is going to come in and tell them how to do their job when they have been doing it for 20 years.

Or worse, they will no longer be needed once they share what they know. Those of us in the industry know that these fears are simply not valid.

In fact, these employees are our best resources so they have a higher value to us.

I have found that the garden hose method works better than the fire hose method when it comes to implementing Lean.

Start with a small stream of information focusing on helping them do their job better.

Are they frustrated that their tools are worn or missing?

Is the technology outdated or slow? Have conversations with the subject matter experts and learn about the history of what they do, and the obstacles they have already overcome, and offer to help remove other obstacles for them so they can do their job better.

When they feel like someone is listening and following through on their commitments, they will be more likely to offer more ideas.

Then before you know it, they are pioneering the continuous improvement movement.

#lean #leanthinking #continuousimprovement

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