Do you understand what a cat is?

A few years ago, when I was working for my former company, the President came knocking at my door. He asked me how I was doing, and we started talking about the training program I was creating for the Organization. At that time, I was hired as the Director of Learning. My mission was to bring the Lean Philosophy and Lean Thinking to the Organization. I believe I was the first person who had the title of “Director of Learning” in the construction industry, back in 2006.

I started showing him the training program and how it was going to bring Lean concepts to the organization; how it was going to develop Lean practitioners and Lean Leaders. As I was showing him the training program and explaining the strategy behind it, I noticed my explanation was not enough and that something was missing.

When you believe you are not delivering value to the customer, and in this case the President was my customer, I did what a true Lean practitioner would – I pulled the “andon” cord! I stopped my explanation and asked if I was delivering value to him. He paused for a moment, looked at me and asked “Paulo, do you know what a cat is?” I was taken aback by the question and it took me a few seconds to answer.

With a question mark in my face, I answered, “I believe I know what a cat is,” and proceeded to describe him a cat.

He listened with attention to my answer. He paused and said, “I believe you know what a cat is.” He paused again, and asked “Paulo do you understand what a cat is?” The question was a curve ball! I thought about what he meant. After reflecting, I found it critical to ask for clarification and that’s what I did. I asked him, “What do you mean by ‘do you understand what a cat is?’” I could see he was enjoying my state of confusion. He knew he threw me a curve ball. Finally, he answered “Paulo, you will understand what a cat is when you grab it by its tail and hold it tight for a while.” He continued, “A lot of people know what a cat is but few of them understand what a cat is!”

I was looking at him with curiosity, because at that point I started to understand why he asked me that question.

He continued, without hesitation and said, “You are the Director of Learning for this Organization and you are going to train a lot of people. I trust you know how to put a training program in place that will bring Lean to our organization. I have only one request for you.” I then asked, “What is your request?” He answered, “When you train people, they need to see that you grabbed the cat by the tail, and you held it tight. When they see that, they will follow you.” Ever since, I have diligently followed his advice. It drove me to be trusted by the people I train, coach, mentor, and work with.

Written by Paulo Napolitano 10/12/2020