Bosch Rexroth has compiled tips for “Gaining Buy-In for Lean” to help organizations gain the personal buy-in and employee understanding that’s essential to successful long-term lean implementation. Developed with lean manufacturing expert Jamie Flinchbaugh, “Gaining Buy-In for Lean” reviews ways to use informal communications to help build support for lean transformation in an organization.

Tips for gaining employee buy-in for lean implementation include:

* Plan a common 90-second to three-minute standard communication message that’s memorable and has an impact. This helps in answering employee questions about change and can be delivered informally in the lunch room or ride up the elevator.
* Don’t use this informal time for teaching, but rather for explaining “why” and “what will change.”
* Employees are concerned about “what will be different.” Ensure these informal messages are consistent. If the team leading the change delivers a consistent message, then understanding and support should build.
* Your informal communication should address the emotional reason for implementing lean, making sure people realize it’s the process that’s flawed, not the employees doing the work.

Source: Automation.com