You’re feeling demotivated in your Lean Manufacturing career. What can you do to reignite your passion?

Habrá que ver y estudiar la desmotivación, quizá no sea responsabilidad del especialista Lean sino que hay tantos puntos a mejorar que los avances que se hagan serán pocos. Uno reconoce los alcances en términos de mejora que se pueden lograr y los escenarios se deben presentar para presionar los gerentes y ellos decidan lo que se pueda hacer.

Several factors can contribute to demotivation in the context of lean manufacturing. It can be a lack of visible progress, unclear expectations, inadequate skills or support, and insignificant time and energy requirements. Additionally, unfavorable organizational culture, lack of leadership support, and resource constraints can also be critical factors that can hinder motivation in lean manufacturing efforts. We need to identify these potential barriers and understand the importance of addressing the same to maintain motivation and drive success in lean manufacturing endeavors.

I wonder if the same question is asked in other areas like supply chain or quality. Anyway, it's common that after learning about Lean or Six Sigma, you feel you have the tools to lead a company to success. Even when you provide training to your plant's operators and personnel, they end up asking, 'If this is so good, why are we not applying it?' The answers to that question are widely discussed among experts, with very different viewpoints: Why do Lean programs fail? So, first of all, don't be disappointed; it's not only happening to you. Others have gone through this, and many others will go through it too. Do your best and learn from your setbacks. Sooner or later, you will succeed, but it's not a formula; you have to find your own way."

En muchas ocasiones los profesionales de esta especialidad se encontrarán con directores o mandos medios que no tengan la disposición de implementar programas o sistemas de mejora. Hay que considerar que esto puede llegar a frustrar a los profesionales de la mejora por no tener las posibilidad de aplicar sus conocimientos. Esto puede ser algo más generalizado que personal y hay que tomarlo de esa forma.

Demotivation starts from a ineffective communication process. Communicating the importance of lean principles in the context of achieving the organization's goals to all critical stakeholders is crucial for gaining buy-in and garnering support for the process. Furthermore, making stakeholders understand the relevance of lean principles to their specific roles and responsibilities can help them see the direct impact of lean on their work. Providing concrete examples and success stories of how lean has benefited other organizations or departments can also be persuasive. Involving stakeholders in the implementation and decision-making process empowers them to take ownership of lean initiatives and increases their commitment to success.

To reignite your passion in Lean Manufacturing: Reflect: Remind yourself why you chose this career and the impact you can make. Set goals: Define new challenges or objectives to strive for within Lean Manufacturing. Learn: Explore advanced concepts, attend workshops, or pursue additional certifications to stay engaged. Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced professionals or become a mentor to others, fostering enthusiasm through sharing knowledge. Apply creativity: Find innovative ways to apply Lean principles in your work, sparking excitement and renewed motivation.

Trabajar en Lean requiere de pasión y mucha resiliencia. Nos enfrentamos a retos como: paradigmas, silos, egos, burocracia, etc. Considero que es clave mantener la vista puesta todo el tiempo en el estado objetivo y el pensamiento a largo plazo. Lean es una filosofía de personas para personas, vendrán días buenos y otros no tanto pero si se demuestra el impacto de Lean en la generación de valor al cliente y la forma de hacer diferente las cosas, vale la pena sacudirse y levantarse. Hace 15 a?os conocí Lean y desde ese momento encontré mi propósito de vida y ha valido la pena, ánimo todo cambio cuesta, pero trae recompensas.