In the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, organizations are dedicated to achieving efficiency, continuous improvement, and fostering an innovative culture. The Lean Forward – Continuous Improvement Lean training program is emerging as a potent catalyst for companies seeking to cultivate a robust culture centered around key elements such as leadership, continuous improvement, employee development, employee engagement, respect for people, and teamwork.
Unlocking the Economic Value of Lean Forward – Continuous Improvement
Choosing to embrace Lean training in your organization is not merely a strategic decision; it’s a prudent economic choice. Sending a single employee for Lean training at an accredited learning organization can result in tuition costs exceeding $8,000, not including the expenses of three separate trips for travel, accommodation, and meals. In contrast, Lean Forward – Continuous Improvement provides a cost-effective alternative by bringing a proven training program directly to your site, enabling the training of up to 23 individuals at a fraction of the cost. Trained employees can then orchestrate multiple lean events within their sphere of influence, enhancing continuous improvement while fostering a “culture of change.”
Training Overview – The Lean Forward Lean Training Program, A Methodical Approach
The Lean Forward Lean training program stands out by offering participants a comprehensive and effective approach to implementing Lean principles in their respective locations. The program equips participants with the knowledge and experience needed to apply a methodical and logical approach to Lean implementation, following the steps outlined in the Forward Lean roadmap.
The training employs the LEAP (Learn and Apply) learning style, incorporating a variety of activities such as classroom material, exercises, lab simulations, and shop floor activities. This approach provides participants with the confidence to initiate the implementation process and ensure sustained progress, aligning seamlessly with the Plan, Do, Check, Act/Adjust cycle (PDCA) and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
For Lean Forward – Continuous Improvement to be successful, upper-level leadership must participate in the initial training. Their presence is crucial for providing prioritization of events, supporting trainees in their endeavors, and acknowledging and rewarding achieved results.
Training Week(s) Detail: From Foundation to Flow
The certification training spans two weeklong sessions in two separate months, each focusing on critical aspects of Lean implementation. Between sessions, participants engage in initial problem-solving activities, which they subsequently present to their peers in the second week.
The first session, themed “Standardization and Stabilization,” covers foundational elements such as the history of Lean, culture and people, job instruction training, voice of the customer, quality at the source, visual management, 8 wastes (coupled with daily kaizen), True North SQDC/Lean Daily Management, and 8-Step Problem Solving. Activities include classroom sessions, exercises, lab simulations, and shop floor activities. The second session, “Improving Flow,” delves into VSM/process mapping, kaizen events, continuous flow, cell design, Kanban, and production leveling. Again, activities include classroom sessions, exercises, lab simulations, and shop floor events such as value stream mapping for manufacturing processes and process mapping for administrative processes.
Post Training Requirements: Applying Knowledge in the Real World
The training doesn’t conclude in the classroom. Participants must complete five Lean events, working with an assigned mentor and site leadership. These events include 8-step problem-solving Lean events, countermeasure Lean events, and team-based event-specific training. The emphasis is on practical application within three months of completing the training.
Post Lean Event Approval: Recognizing Achievement
Upon completing and gaining approval for the required Lean events, participants receive the Lean Forward Lean Event Leader training certificate. This prestigious certificate, signed by Wes Hehn, President of Lean Forward – Continuous Improvement, and/or the company president and CEO, is presented in a formal ceremony among peers and co-workers, highlighting the accomplishment in company communication channels.
Key Elements: Lean Forward – Continuous Improvement, Cultivating a Strong Culture for Business Transformation Triumph Through Comprehensive Lean Training:
Employee Engagement – Empowering Individuals for Collective Success
The Lean Forward Lean training program places a significant emphasis on employee engagement by fostering an environment where participants actively contribute to the learning process. Through interactive sessions, real-world problem-solving exercises, and shop floor activities, participants are not passive recipients but engaged contributors, creating a sense of ownership in the Lean journey. This engagement transcends the training room, laying the foundation for a workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
Continuous Improvement – Integrating PDCA into the Organizational DNA
Continuous improvement is at the core of Lean principles, and the training program ensures this becomes ingrained in the organizational DNA. The PDCA cycle, introduced and reinforced throughout the training, becomes a guiding philosophy. Participants not only learn about continuous improvement but also actively apply it during the training and subsequent Lean events. This culture of perpetual enhancement becomes a driving force for sustained success, ensuring that organizations are adaptable and resilient in the face of change.
Respect for People – Nurturing a Culture of Inclusivity and Appreciation
Lean Forward recognizes that success is not only about processes but also about people. The training program instills a deep sense of respect for people by acknowledging the value each individual brings to the organization. Through activities like the standing in a circle exercise (Ohno’s Circle) and the emphasis on teamwork, participants develop an understanding that success is a collective effort. This culture of respect extends beyond the training, creating a workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and every voice is heard and appreciated.
Teamwork and Collaboration – Fostering a Unified Approach to Success
Lean methodologies thrive on collaboration, and the training program deliberately promotes teamwork. From group activities during the training to the requirement for participants to assemble teams for Lean events, the program nurtures a collaborative spirit. Participants learn that the strength of Lean lies not just in individual knowledge but in the collective synergy of a team. This teamwork and collaboration become a cornerstone for a workplace culture where individuals collaborate seamlessly towards common goals.
Employee Development – Investing in the Growth of Individuals and the Organization
The Lean Forward Lean training program is not just about creating proficient Lean practitioners; it’s a commitment to the development of individuals and the organization as a whole. The post-training requirements, including Lean events and ongoing mentorship, provide a platform for continuous learning and skill development. This investment in employee development ensures that the organization is equipped with skilled and motivated individuals, ready to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. The Lean Forward Lean training program goes beyond teaching Lean methodologies. It emphasizes key elements crucial for building a strong culture and propelling a business towards success. Employee engagement, continuous improvement, respect for people, teamwork and collaboration, and employee development are at the core of this transformative program.
In Conclusion
The Lean Forward Lean training program is not just training; it’s a journey towards cultivating a culture of excellence. By combining comprehensive training, practical application, and a focus on key cultural elements, organizations can truly lean forward into a future of sustained success.
Please reach out to us here at Lean Forward – Continuous Improvement on the “Contact” page of our website or “submit a comment” below to discuss scheduling your Lean training sessions and begin realizing all the benefits you have always envisioned!