Comparing lean transformation as preparation for an Ironman event

I was delivering a lean thinking coach workshop to 5 different nationalities. It’s made me work hard but very rewarding. Each and everyone is starting to understand where they are and their further development needs.

It’s also made me reflect on something I’ve never really thought of before, that is if I think about a lean transformation as preparation for an Ironman event then it goes something like this:

1. Swimming, is a very technical skill and therefor needs to be refined and revisited time and time again to keep up with the latest thinking, it needs consistent expert support ( in our world we need to teach lean thinking skills then ensure that the trainee understands discipline and the need for consistency and to follow the ‘standard’ along with the consequence as a result of the lack of discipline and when new concepts come along ensure they have the opportunity to learn).

2. Bike, has some technical elements but can be done with a lower dependency on expert support, you just need one now and again and to just keep going with one eye on the run (again in our world we must ensure that the trainees have System of support to re-train, adjust  thinking and act as a coach and mentor along with a level of motivation. We allow small mistakes but ensure that we stop big mistakes to ensure they are in a good shape for the rest of the transformation )

3.run, after a 2.5 mile swim and a 112 bike ride you have just got to get on with it and keep going until you reach the finish line! (Ok, A constant level of encouragement and confidence that ensures that they know that even with all the struggles of training and implementation, if they stop now the transformation will always be seen as another flash in the pan initiative that ran out of steam when the going got tough, it is our role as lean thinkers to support trainees and businesses through these very difficult stages to ensure success)

Well there you go! I’m not saying that we should all turn into Ironmen but I hope you sort of get what I’m saying.

Let me know what you think!

Mick