ExactHire

I met with some Lean consultants this morning over coffee and eggs.  I opened my half of the conversation with the thought that, if a Lean initiative fails, the blame generally falls on the Human Resources.  They both blinked, thought, and agreed.  Conversely, HR can make a significant contribution to lean success.  Lean works if the people are aligned with the processes.

So, which HR practices are helpers of lean success?

First is how performance is calculated, communicated and tied to incentives. Too often, staff go home not knowing (or caring) whether or not they accomplished their goals.

Next is team development. An organization that is based on individual performance will struggle to get the team behaviors needed for lean success.

Then, clarify roles and responsibilities.  The job description for a supervisor are different than those of an engineer.

Then, communicate. A lean communication plan must go beyond posters and newsletters into walking the talk and reminding everyone of their success.  When you feel you are over communicating, you have it about right.

Finally, celebrate success.   A lot of repetitive hard work follows.  Before enlightenment, there is chopping wood and carrying water.  After enlightenment, there is still chopping wood and carrying water.  It's an old saying, but it applies.

Over communicate, celebrate, and clarify roles.  Get Human Resources on board, using assessment tools, good HR Management, Human Resources software and a focus on job fit.

Then, and only then, will your Lean initiative survive over time.