1️⃣ Highlight Quick Wins – Show tangible benefits with real data from small, successful Lean improvements. People trust results, not theories. 2️⃣ Involve Them Early – Ask for their input in problem-solving. When they feel heard, they engage more. 3️⃣ Make It Practical – Skip the jargon. Use real shop floor examples and hands-on exercises to make Lean relevant. 4️⃣ Recognize Their Efforts – Celebrate small wins and improvements to reinforce positive behavior. 5️⃣ Find a Champion – Identify an influential team member to advocate for Lean from within. 6️⃣ Lead by Example – Apply Lean in your own work to build credibility and inspire action. 7️⃣ Connect to Their Pain Points – Show how Lean makes their jobs easier, not harder.

Address skepticism by emphasizing Lean's benefits: efficiency, reduced waste, and improved workflow. Start with small, visible wins, showcasing tangible results. Involve skeptical members in problem-solving workshops, letting them experience Lean's practical application. Use data to illustrate improvements, not just theory. Encourage open dialogue, acknowledging concerns and addressing them with factual evidence. Highlight how Lean empowers individuals by giving them more control over their work. Tailor training to their specific roles, making it relevant. Celebrate successes, reinforcing positive outcomes and building momentum.

Engaging skeptical team members in Lean training requires intentional communication and a focus on real impact. In my experience, the best way to shift mindsets is to: → Connect Lean to their daily challenges – Show how it removes frustrations, not just adds tasks. → Start small and show quick wins – Skepticism fades when results are visible. → Involve them in problem-solving – Make them part of the solution, not just the training. → Reinforce Lean as a tool for empowerment – It’s about making work easier, not harder. "Lean isn’t about doing more with less - it’s about doing better with intention." Wishing you a productive, engaging, and improvement-driven Wednesday! – Chris Clevenger

Roll up your sleeves and show them in action how Lean can improve their daily work! Start with small, simple, and low-cost improvements that deliver the highest impact! that's the only way!

Understand Their Concerns Show Clear, Tangible Benefits Involve Them in the Process Make Training Relevant and Engaging Emphasize Employee Empowerment

Focus on Ease and Efficiency: Explain how Lean principles are designed to make their work easier and reduce unnecessary tasks. Show how Lean eliminates waste, improves workflows, and frees up time for more meaningful tasks. Emphasize the personal members of Lean's benefits.

1/ Listen to their concerns: Ask open-ended questions to understand their skepticism (e.g., "What challenges do you see with Lean?"). 2/ Take them to the actual workplace (Gemba) to identify waste and inefficiencies firsthand. 3/Implement a simple 5S activity or a Kaizen event in their area. Show before-and-after results to build confidence in Lean. 4/ Relate Lean concepts to their pain points (excessive waiting, rework, or bottlenecks). Demonstrate how Lean tools (like Kanban, Visual Management) can reduce stress and improve efficiency. 5/ Show metrics that matter to them (reduced defect rates, faster cycle times, fewer delays). 6/ Give ownership: Let them lead a Lean initiative in their department. 7/ Leaders should lead by example.

Engaging skeptical team members in Lean training is all about approach. Let me go list 6 steps that worked for me: 1) Start by addressing their concerns and highlighting the benefits of Lean thinking. 2) Share success stories and provide examples of how Lean can streamline processes, standardize and improve efficiency. 3) Involve them in small projects to demonstrate real-world advantages. 4) Encourage open discussions and feedback, fostering a sense of ownership in the change process. 5) Offer continuous support and training, ensuring they feel equipped and valued throughout the transition. 6) Celebrate small victories and recognize their contributions to build trust and commitment.

I'll highlight real-world benefits, use hands-on training, and show quick wins. Address concerns, encourage feedback, and involve them in problem-solving to make Lean practical and valuable for them.

By working collaboratively and involving the team early (including the skeptics), you can more easily demonstrate the tangible gains that Lean/6 Sigma practices can have on a work environment. Addressing "low hanging fruit" within their own workspaces first can also help to get them on board.