Harnessing the Power of Leader Standard Work

October 9, 2024 | by Bob Morin

During a performance review, I found out my work-life balance was off because I was unknowingly doing three times the work of my colleagues. That made me rethink my approach, and I decided to give Leader Standard Work a shot. By jotting down my daily activities and sorting them into value-added or not, I figured out where my time was really going and made the necessary tweaks. The results were impressive, showing just how valuable this method can be.

Leader Standard Work is a fantastic tool for boosting efficiency and syncing up daily tasks with business goals. At first, I was a bit skeptical about it—why do we need structured time management? After all, I know how to do my job. But it turns out it can reveal some surprising insights about how we work.

How it Works

Leader Standard Work categorizes daily activities into value-added and non-value-added tasks, allowing individuals to prioritize their efforts effectively. By documenting these activities and continuously assessing their alignment with overarching business objectives, organizations can streamline processes, enhance accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Leader Standard Work isn’t just about sticking to a strict schedule; it’s about aligning your daily tasks with business goals. By figuring out which activities actually contribute value and which are just distractions, you can focus on what really matters. If something valuable isn’t aligned with your goals, it’s a good idea to talk it over with your supervisor to see who should take it on.

Collaboration is a big part of Leader Standard Work too. It helps teams take charge of their work plans, sparking accountability and innovation within set boundaries. This method also helps spot and tackle interruptions that could mess up plans. In a well-prepared setting, if a leader’s not around, the team can look at the Leader Standard Work to keep things running smoothly, showing the importance of role-specific know-how.

Implementation

To effectively bring Leader Standard Work into play, start by assessing current processes. Get team members involved in pinpointing key activities that align with business objectives—it gets everyone onboard and ensures a variety of perspectives. Create standard templates for value-added tasks for each role to keep things clear and consistent. Regular check-ins are crucial for teams to review and tweak their plans, addressing any inefficiencies or distractions. Promoting open discussions around Leader Standard Work encourages ongoing improvement and sharing of best practices. Setting measurable goals and celebrating milestones can also help reinforce the positive impact of this approach and keep the team motivated.

A Game Changer

Leader Standard Work is more than just time management; it’s a strategic framework that aligns daily activities with more significant business objectives. For organizations looking to streamline operations, implementing Leader Standard Work could be the game-changer you need to boost efficiency and drive success.