Remarkable”, stated this leader as he spoke to his team earlier this week. He needed the team to join him in making the needed improvements REMARKABLE. He knew that most energy and effort would be wasted if they didn’t engage to help him do what was needed. It was an incredible moment, witnessing this leader “get it”. His team “got it” too!
Years ago Chip, my business partner, and I were involved in a multi-year, multi- million-dollar process-improvement initiative with a large global company. We were members of team that was tasked with producing significant returns to the bottom line of this company.
Here is what was crucial as we worked with this team. We had to resist the temptation to give in to the significant pressure from some of the line executives to just “get at it”. They were pressed and stressed. However, we knew that unless the mindset of those key leaders driving the project was aligned with what was possible, most of the effort would be a waste of time. Even more critical was the very real likelihood of NOT DELIVERING ON THE NEEDED RETURNS.
We need to remember this as we lead into our businesses and personal lives. In the press of all that is on our plates we can feel overwhelmed, with little to no capacity to consider the impact of our mindset on the longer term results for our business and our homes. We do not see implications of a disengaged team on what’s possible before we put in the effort of trying to make things better at work and at home.
I marvel at how Jesus approached people. He saw what was possible in each and every person. Think about it. Why would he have come to rescue you and me, if he didn’t believe that living life to the full with Him, was possible? You and I are invited to bring the same kingdom “what’s possible” mindset to the work we do and with the people we engage. Reflect on Paul’s words to the Colossians.
If you are not starting with what’s possible, as you look to improve processes at work and at home, then you are missing out. And so are those around you.
Ask this one mindset, and 5 process questions, to help improve your processes and bring more ease to you and your teams.
Mindset Question:
Are you excited about this statement from the apostle Paul, “Whatever I do, I will work at it with all my heart, as working for the Lord not for men?”
Your answer to this question will have a direct impact on your ability to produce what is needed as you explore the 5 questions.
5 Process Improvement Questions:
- Waste: Where is there waste (time, material, money, etc.)?
- Rework: Where are we doing things twice (conversations, work, etc.)?
- Cost: Where can we reduce the cost of an item or activity so that it meets or exceeds budget?
- Quality: How can we improve the quality so that it is 100%; first time, every time?
- Speed: How can we increase speed so that we achieve our goals while not compromising quality and cost?
Your mindset as a leader has a direct impact on how you approach making things better for you, your family, your team, your clients and suppliers. Before you ask the 5 questions, check your mindset.
Do you believe it is possible to make things better? Are you excited about it?
A Maverick Application:
- Jesus saw the big picture as He invited people into what’s possible for them? Do you see the same as you work with those in your family and business?
- What has been your mindset as you work to improve things at work and at home?
- Invite your team to explore the 5 questions.
- Identify what you will focus on first and put a plan in place as you look to make a process better.
- Who will you share this with?
