When a new way of working changes how you lead.
As LEAN was introduced across a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, managers and supervisors needed to adapt how they led teams and supported improvement.
See LEAN Leadership in Action.
Explore six selected screens from this interactive leadership learning sample. Use the menu to see how LEAN concepts, leadership behaviors, and decision-based practice come together, then launch the full course.
About this sample: This interactive course is a representative portfolio recreation of LEAN leadership prework from a broader blended learning engagement. The four-part learning pathway shown in this case study is illustrative rather than the original client's approved curriculum.
A blended leadership experience built around a changing way of working.
Help leaders apply familiar leadership skills in a new operating environment.
Help leaders recognize when to invite employee insight, when to coach, and when to step in.
As LEAN changed how work was organized across the plant, managers and supervisors needed to understand what the shift meant for how they guided teams, addressed challenges, and supported improvement.
Rather than reteach foundational leadership skills, the learning connected LEAN principles to familiar responsibilities—coaching, delegation, performance conversations, and informed decision-making—while reinforcing accountability for quality and safety.
Shape the solution together before building it.
As the instructional design consultant, I partnered with SMEs, stakeholders, and HR to align leadership messaging, identify learning priorities, and shape a blended solution. Three key decisions guided the learning experience.
Align the leadership message.
SMEs and stakeholders brought different perspectives on LEAN, plant operations, and the leadership behaviors managers needed to demonstrate.
I worked with the team to establish shared priorities and consistent learning messages. HR review helped ensure the content reflected the organization's culture and expectations.
Match the learning to the need.
I recommended a blended approach rather than placing all the content into a single classroom session or eLearning course.
Foundational concepts could be introduced independently, while facilitated time could focus on leadership discussion, practice, and feedback.
Make room for real conversations.
The facilitated experience emphasized coaching, delegation, performance conversations, and everyday leadership decisions.
Realistic situations gave managers opportunities to explore different approaches, exchange perspectives, and connect LEAN principles to their own work.
Where LEAN Leadership in Action fits.
Leadership development can build from foundational LEAN concepts to practical application. This example pathway shows how the featured learning topic could fit within a broader leadership development plan.
- Prepare eLearning Prework
- Practice Facilitated Learning
- Apply Performance Support
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LEAN Foundations
Understand LEAN principles, recognize waste, and explore why continuous improvement matters.
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Featured Course
LEAN Leadership in Action
Explore Respect for People, Continuous Improvement, and when leaders should coach or direct action.
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Coaching & Problem Solving
Strengthen coaching conversations, explore underlying causes, and practice guiding employees through challenges.
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Sustaining Improvement
Support approved improvements, review results, and reinforce effective leadership behaviors over time.