A few months ago, I worked with a client that had done everything right — on paper. The leadership team rolled out a new continuous improvement system with clear goals, strong messaging, and full commitment.
But something wasn’t clicking.
When we visited the floor, it was clear: leaders weren’t present. The system wasn’t visible in practice. And despite their verbal commitment, their physical absence sent a different message.
Commitment Needs to Be Seen, Not Just Said
The team course-corrected quickly. After we raised the issue in a leadership meeting, they made a concerted effort to be on the floor regularly. The difference was immediate.
- Momentum picked up.
- Morale improved.
- Problem-solving accelerated.
It was a strong reminder: what leaders pay attention to becomes the standard.
If a leader walks past a broken visual board without comment, that becomes the new normal. If they stop, ask questions, and help reset it — that becomes the standard.
Standards Are Set in Small Moments
Leaders don’t just write policy. They communicate standards every time they:
- Ask about a metric
- React to a defect
- Engage in a huddle
- Visit a team
The floor notices. Always.
In a healthy CI system, leadership behavior is consistent with the principles they promote. That consistency is what builds trust — and trust is what drives engagement.
You Can’t Lead CI from Behind a Desk
I often say: your team doesn’t need another email — they need to see your shoes on the floor.
Being visible isn’t about micromanagement. It’s about reinforcing what matters.
The more leaders are present, the more they learn:
- What’s working
- Where teams need support
- What standards are slipping
Final Thought: Leadership Is a System, Too
Just like CI requires structure and clarity, so does leadership.
If your CI system is struggling, ask yourself:
- When was the last time I asked about a team’s problem-solving effort?
- What message do I send when I walk past a visual board?
- Does my presence reinforce our goals — or distract from them?
In the next post, I’ll dive into sustainment — and why so many improvement efforts lose steam after launch.
Read it here: “Why CI Efforts Don’t Last.”
