In this Essentials, we look at the journal paper, "The Lean Journey: Have we got it all wrong?", which was published in the Journal of Total Quality Management & Business Excellence. The authors look at “lean” implementation and note how many organizations have struggled to thoroughly implement and reap the benefits from it over the past few decades. They question our understanding and approaches that many have attempted with less than desired success and wonder if we have it all wrong.

They conduct a study of one organization in particular that has been able to reap some significant benefits from dedicated lean application and draw some conclusions that may be helpful for leaders to evaluate and alter their approach.

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In this Essentials, we look at the journal paper, "Using an Integrated System Approach to Manage Conflict", which was published in the Journal of Leadership, Accountability, and Ethics. The topic focus is conflict management, and we review the papers research and recommendations while also providing our own take on conflict resolution strategies and skills.

Conflict resolution in the workplace is a key focus area for many organizations, but especially important for the change agent and effective leadership in transforming a workplace culture. As change or improvement is introduced, sometimes at a high pace and scale, conflict will likely emerge. Dealing with it as a leader is critical for success.

"Conflict resolution matters for effective teamwork in the workplace."

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This edition of Essentials takes a look at a paper called "Demystifying Lean Leadership" that was published in 2019 in the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma. We unpack the paper and summarize the key concepts from our perspective in the Essentials framework. 

What Is Being Covered?

This paper looks at lean leadership and the success (or failure) of lean deployment regarding modifying practices and approaches of lean leadership at various organizational levels to be more effective. The paper intends to describe what lean oriented managers throughout the organization “should” be doing.

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This edition of Essentials looks at a research paper focused on employee engagement. The authors aim to uncover some key aspects of building higher engagement and we unpack this to present some key reflections. 

What Is Being Covered?

Jena and Pradhan look at employee engagement overall as well as the critical factors leading to stronger engagement. They note that research indicates engagement is a “positive work attitude where people value, believe, and enjoy what they do”. It is also noted that engagement involves people having the feeling of accomplishment being more important than pay. They summarize that engagement comprises a few interrelated elements. 

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