How can you use the Lean team facilitation model to reduce waste?

1 What is waste?

Waste is anything that does not add value to the customer or the team. It can be classified into eight types: defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra-processing. Waste can be caused by various factors, such as unclear requirements, poor communication, inefficient processes, or lack of feedback. Waste can have negative impacts on your team's performance, such as lower quality, higher costs, longer delivery times, or lower morale.

2 How to identify waste?

To identify waste, you need to observe your team's work and analyze the current state of your process. You can use tools such as value stream mapping, process mapping, or waste walks to visualize the flow of work and identify where waste occurs. You can also ask your team and your customers for feedback and suggestions on how to improve the process. You should look for the root causes of waste, not just the symptoms, and prioritize the most critical areas for improvement.

4 How to facilitate Lean improvement?

To facilitate Lean improvement, you need to adopt a facilitative leadership style that supports your team's learning and empowerment. You can use tools such as agendas, ground rules, questions, or feedback to create a collaborative and respectful environment for your team. You should also use tools such as visual aids, checklists, or templates to help your team follow the Lean improvement process and document the results. You should also recognize and celebrate your team's achievements and encourage them to keep improving.

5 How to sustain Lean culture?

To sustain Lean culture, you need to embed the Lean principles and practices into your team's daily work and mindset. You can use tools such as huddles, gemba walks, or kaizen events to foster a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving. You can also use tools such as dashboards, metrics, or audits to track and communicate your team's progress and performance. You should also coach and mentor your team members and help them develop their skills and capabilities.

6 How to benefit from Lean team facilitation?

By using the Lean team facilitation model, you can benefit from reduced waste, increased value, and improved customer satisfaction. You can also benefit from enhanced team collaboration, engagement, and empowerment. You can also benefit from improved team agility, innovation, and resilience. You can also benefit from a competitive advantage, a stronger reputation, and a higher return on investment.