West Chatham, Massachusetts- Summer 2023
Building a sustainable lean practice
The sun was hot and high in the sky that summer day as I struggled to drag the red foldable wagon through the deep sand. It was full to the brim with beach supplies as we looked for that ideal spot on the beach where my family and I would stake our real-estate claim for the day. Feeling the bright scorching light on my face, accompanied with the odor of fishy-salty ocean air, my mood shifted from frustration to wonder as my attention moved to the waves rolling in. Listening to the light roar of the coming and going of waves, my mind seemed to settle down some. There is something inspiring that comes with gazing out into the vastness of something infinitely large like the ocean, in this case the Atlantic Ocean.
But strangely that feeling of awe is often accompanied by fear and dread. Not a powerful emotion, more like that subtle reminder of the reality of just how small “I” am in comparison to what I see when I look out into the world and universe. Maybe this is just that extreme measure required to break me free from my habitual self-absorbed thinking, even if just for a moment. My busy mind is usually filled with a whole bunch of internal dialogues. Most of the time focused on all the great stories about me. Looking out into the horizon there are no boundaries to rely on, no fix point to hold to. No sure ground unto which to build the secure place that I feel required to hold on to. Am I filled with excitement or fear? The lines begin to get fuzzy between these two feelings. The reality that deep down that we all know, but most of the time choose to ignore; the sense of control we need and desire to control our environment is unreal. I invite you to investigate that matter intimately yourself, have the courage not to ignore what you find.
Those primal instincts seem to rush into me all at once and compel me to stand firm and to stay planted rigidly on the shoreline. Why do I feel so uneasy with the realization that life is not in my control? Is it fear of the unknown, what is it that exists beyond the edges of what we can perceive? Or maybe yet a fear of intimacy that comes with deeper connection to oneself and the world?
Interesting for sure. Where do we find the strength to push through our uncomfortable feelings and resistance to change?
My understanding from my lived experience is that every process in our lives can be improved to some measure. I write this not from some theoretical insight but from a more practical experience that everything I have investigated is but a system with a process. That is the philosophical viewpoint from which I write these blog articles. I am open to the possibility that new insights or information may be presented to me that changes that view. But for now, continuous improvement principles and ideas are available to us to improve our lives.
A foundation made of sand is fantastic for building Sandcastles, but I suggest building your lean practice on more solid ground. So let us make good use of all tools at hand that have been handed down to us to build a strong and sustainable lean practice. It requires having clear intentions, lots of practice and not being afraid to make mistakes. But it is super rewarding when you see the real impact it has on the world, and once you see that it will be even harder to turn away from it.
What are the keys to unlocking and opening the doors to our true potential and creating lasting lean habits? Here are some of my thoughts intended to shine some light the subject:
Courage to be honest with yourself and find the self-awareness that you need to make changes. When one thinks that there is nothing else to learn in life, it really is limiting one’s growth. I have heard someone say that lean is not for everybody, that if you believe everything you do is perfect, then obviously continuous improvement doesn’t make sense. So be honest with yourself and don’t waste your time. But for those imperfect people like me, there is hope for a better tomorrow, and it will take considerable courage to start the journey.
Have a plan that is clear. Sand is the best material for agile building, it is malleable and fluid, ready to be molded into whatever you envision. But building with sand is not practical for a long-term building project. Try to have the clearest vision and understanding of what you really want to accomplish. When inspiration comes, remember that planning is the key to achieving that vision, it is fine to have your ideas cast with sand, but sustainability is reached through proper planning and implementation.
Study the wisdom of others. Having an Inventor and Galvanizer personality, I have always found joy in going it alone through experimentation and grinding it out. But it is acceptable to study what other people have learned and have to offer. Do not let pride and arrogance hold you back from learning from others. Even better, find a lean coach, listen to podcasts, or read other lean blogs, there is a ton of free material that is being shared in the lean community.
Be intentional with everything you do. Meticulous care must be given to implementing the plan, a lot of thought should go into how the plan will be implemented and come to fruition. This part of the process should get a lot of resources and attention. Please do not underestimate the importance of this step in the continuous improvement journey. Intention is where the plan meets practice, action speaks louder than words as the saying goes. Be clear on why you want to do things, and ask will it add value to my lean practice (and others as well)?
Find your community of fellow continuous improvement thinkers. Even a small group of individuals is a great way to build community and connect with others. Sharing books and podcasts that have inspired you with others is a great way to strengthen others ‘practice.
I look forward to continuing sharing my thoughts on lean concepts and practice in the future articles.
Take good care of yourselves and your practice!
Chris.