Here's how you can enhance your Lean Manufacturing skills by improving emotional intelligence.

Most Professional Associations like SME & ASQ report that younger generation is no longer interested in working in Manufacturing places, and that's a fault of High Tech companies like Facebook, Google, Amazon, etc. Well, that's not entirely true! The Advanced Manufacturing doesn't have that issue. In Fremont, California, there are more than 950 Advanced Manufacturing companies, mostly run by the younger folks. The traditional manufacturers, however, have not even painted their Front Door for ages, they're not welcoming, aren't interesting, and frankly, they are boring! How can we expect anyone to forego Google's work culture, free food, laundry service, etc. & come to work for Joe & Steve Mfg. where we still refer to people as "resources"?

All too often people are thinking about their next input into a meeting or conversation rather than listening. Take time to listen to everyone, enjoy the learning and make an objective evaluation of everyone's input. I've made a career of not knowing the answers to problems but knowing and listening to people who do !!!

I would also add, that it is important to map out the stake holders, listen to their goals, needs, and triggers with empathy. Try to find common ground, this will form alliances and understand of common goals.

Self reflection and self honesty are key enablers of leadership: observe yourself, identify your weak spots, understand what’s the root cause and work your problem. Do not seek yourself in others and accept diversity. Invest in training your team and yourself, not only working on the hard skills but also on the soft and social skills. Get to know your team as the personalities they are and truly care about them. This does not mean that you need to lower the bar for the business targets you need to pursue. However, make sure you communicate and elaborate your intentions clearly and that not everything is a number one priority. Involve, listen and collaborate.

Active listening is more easily said than done. Active listening means being open and fully attentive to what the speaker is saying, even if you do not share the speaker’s opinion. It is one of the most powerful ways to create a deep connection. Don’t interrupt, don’t formulate responses in your head, don’t jump into the first pause. Be patient, summarize and then respond. Taking notes is a good way to show respect and enhance your own understanding. Most people will say that they are good listeners but once you pay attention you notice that most are not. So active listening is your chance to make a real difference in how you manage change.

Active listening is the game changer for leadership. This is the sole difference between a leader who has the respect of their team, and one who creates a harsh or unrewarding environment for everyone. Too many people are just waiting for you to stop talking so they can say their piece and are not actually listening to what you're saying. It's obvious, and really discourages participation. Oftentimes people like this repeat themselves over and over again, or even worse, disagree with you then say exactly what you just said. It's clear they weren't listening in the first place. If you become an active listener, you will: 1. Learn rapidly 2. Encourage feedback 3. Make better decisions 4. Improve morale & trust 5. Always be in "the know"

Listening and I mean really listening is one of the most important leadership skills. Too often people semi-listen to what others say and they may not hear what’s really being said. When I was studying to be a coach one of the important lessons was: WAIT Why Am I Talking! If you’re talking you are not listening and you will miss the root cause of a problem or situation.

Having a real fundamental empathy for others is key. How can leaders expect people to follow them if they are not empathetic. It goes back to listening properly (key to empathy) and trying to support people’s needs. We problem solve manufacturing processes but what about the people that work on those processes, they are key and empathy towards them also.

Acredito que influenciar positivamente os outros é vital para melhorar minhas habilidades em Lean Manufacturing. Usar inteligência emocional e comunica??o eficaz para inspirar e orientar minha equipe nos objetivos lean é fundamental. Liderar pelo exemplo e entender as motiva??es da equipe s?o estratégias que impulsionam engajamento e proatividade.

Conflict resolution skills are really important for when a conflict arises but doing everything in your power, EI skills, coaching and listening skills, developing your people; and understanding needs, styles, perceptions and goals can minimise conflicts, so making sure managers or change managers are trained properly in conflict resolution and skills are a must.