What Is a Lean Sensei?
Sensei is a Japanese word meaning “the one who was there before me, who possesses the knowledge and experience (of a technique).” It is often used in martial arts. Did you know that LEAN management also has its own Sensei? In the context relevant to us, the LEAN Sensei has two roles: develop LEAN Consultants and train LEAN Leaders to implement a lasting continuous improvement culture.
Let’s dive into what their role is…
Lean Senseis Develop Lean Consultants
Before going any further, let’s remember that a LEAN Consultant, also named a LEAN Agent, guides the leader of an organization and the entire team throughout a continuous improvement project through every step of the process. The Sensei will also suggest strategies adapted to the project’s scope and complexity and act as a facilitator during work meetings.
LEAN Senseis’ primary role consists in mentoring and training LEAN Consultants by sharing their expertise and experiences related to LEAN principles, concepts, and tools. They offer ongoing support and motivation to persevere when a challenge arises during a process optimization project.
They will also encourage them to evolve their critical thinking: ask questions, question existing processes, and seek innovative solutions.
LEAN Senseis also act as role models for LEAN Consultants. Their flawless behaviour inspires them to adopt and promote the best continuous improvement practices in their workplace.
Finally, they work closely with LEAN Consultants and work teams to establish and maintain a culture of continuous improvement. They ensure that LEAN principles are integral to their daily practices and that they sustain a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.
This is what leads us to a LEAN Sensei’s secondary role…
LEAN Senseis Train LEAN Leaders
LEAN Senseis’ second role is to train LEAN Leaders who will foster a continuous improvement culture. To do this, they will first teach them LEAN’s fundamentals and tools, and encourage them to make those an integral part of their daily management.
They will also accompany LEAN Leaders on the field to develop their ability to see what is really going on, develop a different way of thinking, and identify and solve strategic issues through creativity.
LEAN Senseis will encourage them to listen to their employees, inspiring them to excel and support their team, always in the midst of creating more value for the clients, increasing the company’s market appeal and fostering a healthy growth.
Too often, managers are unaware of what is happening in their company on a day-to-day basis, as if they were disconnected. Consequently, their vision is not always aligned with reality. By going on the field accompanied by their LEAN Sensei, upper management can align their team’s growth to that of the organization.
What Is the Difference Between a LEAN Sensei and a LEAN Master Black Belt?
Simply put, they both have similar experiences, but the LEAN Sensei will focus more on facilitation and teaching than on actual practice.
Whether you need to be coached by a LEAN Sensei or train a LEAN Six Sigma Master Black Belt to implement a continuous improvement culture and carry out process optimization projects within your organization, Groupe Bernard Gagnon can support you.
