"Kills engagement." What a great phrase. This isn't exactly what you were talking about but it is headed there. Before my glorious retirement I ran crews...trim crews...custom cabinet installs for giant offices...major renovations on commercial buildings...the people in a large door factory..(Interior...Exterior....Cabinets) Correcting...making constructive criticism ...pointing out mistakes...it's an Art Form. People do not like to be told they 'need improvement' in the way they are doing things. And it matters not how little improvement is needed. One of the tricks I would pull out of my bag of communication skills was this: George, got a minute? George I happened to notice how you were hanging that door. That's exactly how I used to hang doors. But I was on a job once and I was watching the way another guy was hanging his doors and it was way better and way faster and I switched to his way and my speed went way up. (True story) I want to show you his way and see if you think it is better. Fast forward to NOW. I could give you many examples of people handling, but the idea is to avoid, as much as possible, belittling people., or just making them feel cut down a notch. OK...now to what you were talking about...when I had the 'better way' talks I would always end with this...George, give this way a try or two. That's all I ask. This is what we have found to be the best way to get better time and quality. Now...hanging doors or trimming doors is not the same kind of work as your people do at Fastcap. But it does not matter. There is a best way to hang and trim doors. There's a best way to do just about any repetitive process. It's too bad that the Lean way is not practiced in all kinds of construction.
Thanks! I'd like to note that you often say: "together we learn". A standard helps facilitate a conversation on "how do we currently do this?". Without a shared understanding (standard or even multiple ways of doing one process, documented) it is very hard to start improving. Because without that a team does not really work together, there is no real conversation. A large part of what I've come to realize is the importance of the team (thanks to you, Jeff Kaas and Xylem). Without a team there is isolated improvement in silos, a fraction of the power a team can develop.
I like the point you make when you explain what to do when people ultimately do not follow the process. Instead of being angry, you respectfully tell them that they might be more successful elsewhere but these are the rules our company follows for the reasons you should explain.
Very good! Explaned well. The most important thing most people do not understand there is a reason for being lean! Its good for everyone (growing people)!
A great video Paul thanks - I love the steps you explain. People in the main don't want to do a bad job - however, if they are toxic about the overall approach (Continuous Improvement) then they can go elsewhere. This option is actually better for them, because they're wasting precious days of their life if they hate the LEAN approach (can't personally understand it, but hey).
Paul: On our small, micro-mini farm, the farms hands will be out harvesting or weeding. The gumbo would have me go out and work with them. I get that. But how do I help harvest spinach for 30 minutes, let's say, and then leave. (I DO have other things that need to get done on the farm) without the farm hands resenting me for leaving the harvest when ever I want to?
Someone shared this in the Iswi Signal group and it was a lovely reminder.
"Kills engagement." What a great phrase. This isn't exactly what you were talking about but it is headed there. Before my glorious retirement I ran crews...trim crews...custom cabinet installs for giant offices...major renovations on commercial buildings...the people in a large door factory..(Interior...Exterior....Cabinets) Correcting...making constructive criticism ...pointing out mistakes...it's an Art Form. People do not like to be told they 'need improvement' in the way they are doing things. And it matters not how little improvement is needed. One of the tricks I would pull out of my bag of communication skills was this: George, got a minute? George I happened to notice how you were hanging that door. That's exactly how I used to hang doors. But I was on a job once and I was watching the way another guy was hanging his doors and it was way better and way faster and I switched to his way and my speed went way up. (True story) I want to show you his way and see if you think it is better. Fast forward to NOW. I could give you many examples of people handling, but the idea is to avoid, as much as possible, belittling people., or just making them feel cut down a notch. OK...now to what you were talking about...when I had the 'better way' talks I would always end with this...George, give this way a try or two. That's all I ask. This is what we have found to be the best way to get better time and quality. Now...hanging doors or trimming doors is not the same kind of work as your people do at Fastcap. But it does not matter. There is a best way to hang and trim doors. There's a best way to do just about any repetitive process. It's too bad that the Lean way is not practiced in all kinds of construction.
Fortunately, Larry, I have visited many construction sites that are implementing Lean. It's exciting!
I love the part where Paul speaks about what clients give us in order for us to thrive. Very real.
Thanks, Andy. I wish everyone could think about the customer!
I love the precision in your answer Paul! That's exactly what needs to be done and in the sequence it needs to be done. Thanks, Filipe
you're right Eng. Filipe!
Thanks! I'd like to note that you often say: "together we learn". A standard helps facilitate a conversation on "how do we currently do this?". Without a shared understanding (standard or even multiple ways of doing one process, documented) it is very hard to start improving. Because without that a team does not really work together, there is no real conversation. A large part of what I've come to realize is the importance of the team (thanks to you, Jeff Kaas and Xylem). Without a team there is isolated improvement in silos, a fraction of the power a team can develop.
Vincent excellent point you are absolutely correct!
I like the point you make when you explain what to do when people ultimately do not follow the process. Instead of being angry, you respectfully tell them that they might be more successful elsewhere but these are the rules our company follows for the reasons you should explain.
Thanks, Andrew. It boils down to respect!
Packed message, thanks!
You're welcome, Warren!
Thanks Paul for sharing such great energy!
You're welcome, John!
Great explanation, thank you, Paul!
You're welcome, Dmitry!
AMEN Paul. totally agree. great stuff. keep it up
Good video Paul. Very clear.
Thanks Ted!
Thanks
Very good! Explaned well. The most important thing most people do not understand there is a reason for being lean! Its good for everyone (growing people)!
thanks!
Hi Paul! Nice! Apart from LEAN which other systems do you have implemented in your company? Thank you!
Common sense!
Dear Paul, what do you recommend instead of QUALITY SYSTEM ISO 9001 ?
Good video.
Another great video with fantastic advice, Paul. Thank you.
Dave Lelonek thank you!!!!!
A great video Paul thanks - I love the steps you explain. People in the main don't want to do a bad job - however, if they are toxic about the overall approach (Continuous Improvement) then they can go elsewhere. This option is actually better for them, because they're wasting precious days of their life if they hate the LEAN approach (can't personally understand it, but hey).
very true Peter. Hiring the right people is so important!
Splended
I had about 50 ah-ha moments in 3 1/2 minutes! Thanks Paul.
Terry Cool
Well Said!
Paul: On our small, micro-mini farm, the farms hands will be out harvesting or weeding. The gumbo would have me go out and work with them. I get that. But how do I help harvest spinach for 30 minutes, let's say, and then leave. (I DO have other things that need to get done on the farm) without the farm hands resenting me for leaving the harvest when ever I want to?
Cackleberry Farm If you work as a team you'll get more done I would try to complete things together and move from area to area out together.