Have you read Taiichi Ohno’s book Workplace Management? It’s one of my favorites. Although it’s a slim volume, there is a lot to think about. One of the chapters is titled ‘Become a Reliable Boss’. In it, Ohno reminds us that a boss’s main job is to help workers find better, easier ways to do things. And that one way to know that one is a ‘reliable boss’ is if it takes at least an hour to walk 100 meters in gemba because of the many questions being asked and the help being given. That’s great, you say. But I don’t have time to do that. And, besides, I’m not even a boss. What can I do? The answer is a lot. Last Friday, I spent the day with Tom Richert, Joanna McGuffey and Duane Wilson. We’ve all been thinking about what we can do – personally and as a group – to help make a difference. Help, not just in one way, but in many diverse ways, because there are many diverse ‘problems’ out there in the world. What became apparent to all of us, is that no matter who we are, or what we do, we all have unique strengths that can be used to help. Because no ‘help’ is too small help. So, my challenge for you today, this week, (and every day, really), is to slow down and look around. Help someone. Because no matter who you are, or what you do, your contribution is important and others are relying on your help.
