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Continuous Improvement
The concept of continuous improvement and lean are easy to grasp but often difficult to execute consistently. Most efforts to implement them are missing a critical ingredient – the people practices at all levels needed to gain and sustain the benefits that can be derived from a continuous improvement culture. It is easy to implement the physical trappings of lean production while failing to notice the need for a parallel implementation of leadership practices. For the new physical production process to be a success, managers must change from the habitual focus on results to a different and less obvious focus on process and people. When a process operates as designed and refined, it meets its goals for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. When people contribute to their maximum potential, they are fully engaged in the team’s goals and continuous improvement activities, continually learning and developing their skills, and deriving a sense of satisfaction from their work and their role on the team.
While some of the lean concepts covered may be review for some participants, this module focuses on the key elements of Continuous Improvement Environments in order to establish common ground and understanding for developing the requisite leadership skills in subsequent modules.
Learning Outcomes for this module:
Ø Ensure common understanding of the key concepts of a Continuous Improvement Environment
Ø Raise awareness of the important role of the Front Line Leader in creating a Continuous Improvement Environment
Ø Learn tips and techniques for effectively using visual management and control boards to monitor processes and engage people
Ø Gain commitment to applying lean concepts and leadership practices to enhance employee engagement
Front Line Leadership: Continuous Improvement
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