It is no secret. Life has changed for absolutely everyone as we all hunker down and distance ourselves from each other. For our own safety and health, we are either volunteering to separate or the government is telling us what we can and cannot do, but yet still operate as a society. I know that each one of our clients has seen a huge change in their business over the last two weeks. For a few, they have seen an increase in production because society is preparing for the worst, yet some employees can not go to work so they are challenged with an increase in demand and reduced workforce. For many, demand has dropped. People have been sent home and the workforce has been reduced either to meet the demand or achieve distance requirement guidance. Regardless, this pandemic has presented challenges for us all and it will continue to do so as the situation changes on a daily basis.
For many companies, owners and leaders have thrown up their hands and have shut down operations either indefinitely or until life returns to some form of normality. For those keeping it together, how can effectiveness be maintained amongst constant change while dealing with factors beyond control? The Lean Sensei Women have written a great article about how Lean concepts can help companies through the COVID-19 virus (link to the article is below). In the article, they have identified how organizations can continue to be effective amid this pandemic. I have highlighted the points below:
1. Promote Safety: Like the 6th S that surrounds the activity of the other 5 S’s promote the safety and health of employees. This maintains a positive focus on the employee, and gives reassurance that the organization is looking out for them.
2. Consciously Communicate Directly with Employees: Go to the floor more frequently (if it is practical and safe). Provide daily updates about the virus and how new information affects the employees at home or at work. Set daily expectations for the employees amid changing demand and resource requirements. Communicate virtually with your team and employees if necessary.
3. Manage Visually: Though temporary, establish new visuals on the floor to set a new standard of operation based on the new requirements of the business. Use digital tools to communicate as long as they are accessible by all.
4. Standardize: Amid ongoing change, determine how elements of your business can maintain control. On the floor, or now conducted virtually, create standard work for employees and set standard expectations for the things that are in your control.
5. Rely on Each Other: As the article mentions, Lean practices came about as a response to tough times. As much as it seams the apple cart has overturned, don’t throw out Lean processes and principles in the name of a crisis. Rally amongst your team, utilize the resources around you, and problem solve. Practice PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), maybe more often than you normally do, and achieve short term goals. Go for the daily wins with the people around you.
Here is the article from the Lean Sensei Women, enjoy….
-Greg Hastings
