Comments on: Building a Culture, One Habit at a Time

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:19:32 +0000

I find a few simple techniques help to change culture. Firstly, you need to create active dissatisfaction with the existing culture. How do you do this, by painting a vivid, tangible vision of a future state and informing people “what’s in it for them”. From there, get some easy, big wins with as much collaboration and involvement as possible. I elaborated on these points here: http://learnsigma.com/8-steps-to-lean-six-sigma-culture-change/

By: Vivek Naik

Vivek Naik — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:42:56 +0000

Spot on!
a disciplined effort to build correct habits is very effective in changing culture. we too had a similar experience. when changing over from traditional way of managing production to lean it was necessary change the way we operate to sustain what has been implemented. we needed to follow a standard way of doing things on daily basis till it became a habit. Leader standard work and Gemba walk were very helpful for this process.

By: Karen Wilhelm

Karen Wilhelm — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:59:34 +0000

That reminds me of the wisdom that kaizen is not about improving processes. Repeated small kaizens are to train the mind in the habit of seeing and making improvements without having to make it an event.

By: Jamie Flinchbaugh

Jamie Flinchbaugh — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:01:32 +0000

Thanks Evan, I appreciate the comment.

By: Evan Durant

Evan Durant — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:56:59 +0000

I think you hit the nail on the head. Forget about formal training. Develop the habits you want to see in the organization and then lead by example. It really works! Great post!