LSS Leaders Value 3 Conditions that Support Change

I found this to be a very powerful tool when we discussed it in Pathways. I always knew it was important to get people’s buy-in and support for an idea, but never heard it explained in an easy to use process like this. I find this idea to be very important as we try to transition the way we do our Engineering at O-I.

This is very important because in order to get people to share their ideas, they have to feel good about themselves and confident in their ideas. When people aren’t asked, they don’t feel the need to share, and when they do try to share and aren’t “heard,” they are not likely to speak up again. It is important to involve people and let them know they are important.

It is always difficult to make a change. People get comfortable in the way they do things. It is even harder to change when someone tells you, “This is the way we are going to do things now.” When you are given the chance to share your ideas and your ideas are considered, this creates “buy-in” and makes people much more open to the changes.

3. The process involves their motivations.

Usually when someone is facing change they think, “What’s in it for me?” This is why it is important for everyone to be involved in some way with the decision to make a change. Sometimes it is as simple as communication. Sometimes everyone’s input should be collected. But for change to really be positive, people need to understand the change, why it’s being made, and see the advantages. This will allow them to take ownership of the change and really make it happen.

Facilities Engineering has realized the need to change the way we do things. But, Upper Management did not just say, “This is the way it’s going to be.” They have asked for everyone’s ideas. Through GMEC Day, and individual breakout sessions of all of the Engineering Groups, we have used LSS tools to help gather and consider everyone’s ideas.People are much more open to the idea of changing the way we do things as they are able to share their input and have some of their ideas discussed.

• People feel good about themselves because they are asked to participate on a team due to their knowledge and expertise.
• The change process includes their ideas because their ideas are critical to the improvements identified by the team.
• They are motivated to make the changes because they are able to really spend the time to understand the process and how to make it better.

With all of the projects, teams, and initiatives that are being worked on at O-I, and everyone’s heavy workload, how can you continue to be a valuable asset to each initiative you are asked to contribute to?

If you would like more information on the Pathways to Leadership® program, please see our FAQ page, or call our Strategic Partnership Department at 1-800-569-1877.

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