Lean Methodology 4 - Making the Commitment to Improve

             The implementation of any improvement is not easy; it strikes at the heart of good leadership. Many companies have such a tight niche that has been well in trenched overtime. They feel comfortable where they are and don’t really see the need for change. They believe their customers are loyal and everything is fine, which simply is not true. Those that feel that way should read no further, for without real commitment any attempt will be an exercise in futility.

If you’re ready, let’s take just a few moments and review a few questions:

·    Do you have the Vision to keep you on course?

·    Are you committed to customer satisfaction?

·    Are you ready to learn and explore new thoughts and ideas, and are you willing to help and inspire those around you to do the same?

·    Do you truly value the people you work with and do you consider them partners in this improvement process?

·    How’s your agility, are flexible enough to meet what could become a very demanding environment?

·    Do you have a strong future orientation and are you willing to make the long-term commitment?

·    Do you manage by facts instead of being reactionary and impulsive?

·    Can you focus on results and creating value both for your customers and all those involved with your company?

·    Do you have stamina for when times get tough?

The purpose of these questions is to explain the nature behind the Leadership that is required to meet this challenge. To aid in this quest I highly recommend creating the following two items, a Vision Statement and a Mission Statement. A Vision Statement is a short declaration of what an organization aspires to be in the future. I would add the near future, because the statement will change as your paradigm changes, and it will. A Mission Statement answers the following questions: who are we, who are our customers, what do we do, and how do we do it. These two statements will give clarity, direction, and purpose as you begin this quest.[1]

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[1] Total Quality Management, pages 17- 53