The Edges of Lean LeanForHumans

I believe lean thinking is the best way to manage a business and develop people. Even though I have much experience and many great examples to share, it does not mean I am always successful in persuading people. Carlos Alvarenga is a communications researcher who has delved into what it takes to be persuasive. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about his new book: “The Rules of Persuasion,” and to explain why persuasion is a skill we can all learn. 
 
Carlos Alvarenga
 
Carlos A. Alvarenga is an independent communications researcher, writer, and coach. With a background in management consulting and academia, he has worked as an adjunct professor at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and as the Executive Director of World 50 Labs. Carlos is pursuing a Ph.D. in Communications and Rhetoric at the University of Maryland. Carlos resides in Bethesda, MD, with his wife, a physician/researcher, and they have two sons. His diverse experiences and educational background contribute to his expertise in effective communication strategies.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
 
 
00:01:10 - Carlos's Background and Current Work
00:07:41 - The Elements of Character in Persuasion
00:11:34 - The Elements of Argument in Persuasion
00:12:19 - The Importance of Sequence in Presentations
00:14:27 - The Role of Emotion in Group Dynamics
00:22:50 - The Seven Kinds of Emotion in Persuasion
00:25:34 - The Importance of Emotion in Persuasion
00:33:36 - The Importance of Safety in Lean Transformation
00:37:14 - The Different Audiences in Persuasion
00:39:37 - The Dangers of Persuasion in the Wrong Hands
00:43:45 - Applying Persuasion in One-on-One Interactions
00:47:07 - Advice for Young Professionals
 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
Persuasion is a skill that can be learned and developed by anyone. 
Persuasion is different from influence and manipulation. 
The three modes of persuasion are character, argument, and emotion. 
Character includes elements like status, origin, language, style, categories, and associations.
Arguments include elements like logic, evidence, witnesses, authorities, laws, and standards.
Understanding the chemistry of persuasion can help in crafting effective messages. 
The order and sequence of elements in persuasion are crucial for success.

Memorable Quotes From Carlos Alvarenga
 
"If your ideas walk out the door with you at night, if your projects would die if you quit tomorrow, you haven't persuaded anyone.”
 
CONNECT WITH Carlos Alvarenga      
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-alvarenga/  
Website: https://www.carlosalvarenga.com/ 
 

How much time are you spending every day on communication? How effective and efficient is your communication? We live in a swirl of communication – email, instant messages, text messages, and social media posts. And sometimes we even talk to each other! Geoff Weinstein says communication is a real “Edges of the Lean” frontier – one of the places where we can all leverage lean thinking to reduce waste and improve our lives. He joined me at The Edges of Lean to discuss lean communication – and by the way, he has gifts for you that you can download at http://geoffweinstein.com/gifts 
 
Geoff Weinstein:
 
Geoff Weinstein is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in serving the financial industry. He specializes in regulated industries where individuals struggle to articulate their ideas. Geoff's expertise lies in helping busy leaders align company culture with AI and digital transformation strategies. He works directly with clients to streamline broken communication processes, emphasizing the importance of clear, concise, and influential communication. Geoff's mission is to make lean communication the standard in workplace communication, enabling organizations to thrive in the fast-paced world of digital transformation.
 
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
 
00:01:00 - Geoff Weinstein's Background and Public Speaking
00:07:04 - The Mid-Office Communication Role
00:12:37 - Defining Lean Communication
00:15:21 - Communication as a Two-Way Process
00:18:14 - The Importance of Audience-Focused Communication
00:20:34 - Typical Communication Issues in Organizations
00:25:03 - The Evolution of Email Communication
00:27:20 - The Fear of Missing Out in Communication
00:30:23 - Crafting Effective Group Emails
00:35:15 - Example of a Power Paragraph
00:38:27 - Empathy in Communication
00:47:18 - Advice for Young Professionals
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 
 
Lean communication involves stripping out stumbling blocks that prevent the recipient from understanding the message. 
Lean communication focuses on getting the message across quickly and concisely. 
Email is a common area where waste occurs in communication, such as unnecessary CCs and reply calls. 
Lean communication requires thinking about the value of the message and who truly needs to receive it. 
The length of an email should be kept concise, with a power paragraph summarizing the context, problem, and solution. 
Empathy and understanding the audience's pain points are crucial in lean communication. 
Lean leaders should also focus on effective communication and provide value to their teams. 
Face-to-face communication and presentation skills are important areas to develop for lean professionals.
 
CONNECT WITH Geoff Weinstein:
      
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffweinstein 
Website: https://www.geoffweinstein.com/ 

 

As lean leaders, we understand that trust is a key component of an effective and efficient culture. George Dom spent years in high-performance environments where trust was not just a nice to have, but it was necessary to assure that the entire team succeeded – and survived! He has joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights into developing trust in every environment by being a high-trust leader.
George Dom
George Dom, founder of the High-Trust Leadership Network, is a former naval officer and aviator with extensive leadership experience. He has served in key positions in high-performance organizations, including commanding aircraft carrier fighter squadrons and leading air wings on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS John F. Kennedy. Dom has also been an instructor and pilot at the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) and commanded the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Today, he is a respected business aviation manager, speaker, and leadership consultant to Fortune 500 corporations, private companies, and individuals. Dom believes that achieving high performance, both individually and collectively, requires High-Trust Leadership and Focused Engagement. This principle applies not only in sports, the military, and medical teams, but also in the business world. 
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:00:21 - George's Background and High-Trust Leadership
00:03:52 - The Importance of Trust in Organizations
00:08:15 - Building Trust Among Thousands of Crew Members
00:10:28 - The Five Questions of Trustworthiness
00:17:44 - The Second Pillar of Trust: Commitment
00:24:28 - The Fifth Pillar of Trust: Communication
00:26:55 - The Role of Debriefing in Continuous Improvement
00:32:23 - The Importance of Understanding Your Team
00:37:28 - The Debriefing Process and Vulnerability
00:39:50 - The Necessity of Clear Communication
00:43:16 - Adapting Connection in Remote Work Environments
00:44:51 - The Challenge of Remote Communication
00:47:56 - Ensuring Message Clarity and Reception
00:51:24 - The Impact of Trust Beyond Safety
00:52:16 - Advice for Young People Starting Out
 
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS 
Trust is built on vulnerability, dependability, and mutual support in both aviation and business settings.
Trust is a strategic imperative that requires continuous effort and attention.
Trustworthiness is evaluated based on behavior, not just intentions.
The five pillars of trust include character, commitment, competence, connection, and communication.
Character involves walking the talk and living up to shared values.
Commitment is about being present and leading through challenges.
Competence is important but secondary to character and commitment.
Connection is about understanding team members and building strong relationships.
Communication is the key to ensuring understanding and clarity in interactions.

Memorable Quotes From George Dom
 
“Communication requires clarity, conciseness, and consistency.”

CONNECT WITH George Dom      
 
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-dom-b67b207  
Website: https://georgedom.com/ 
 

Iteration is the key to lean thinking and especially to lean design and lean product development.  Brian Walch uses iteration to develop individual contributors into managers and managers into leaders. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his approach and how he has developed it independently of the Lean community.
 
Brian Walch
 
Brian Walch is a coach, consultant, and personal and professional development speaker. He started Shiftfocus Coaching and Consulting company to support managers and address the need for more great managers in the world. Brian has developed the Integrated Life Framework, a tool that aids practical self-awareness and promotes personal and professional growth. This framework has been beneficial not only to himself but also to others seeking success in their lives.
Drawing on his expertise in people and systems, Brian develops effective tools and processes that drive change from within.
 
 
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
 
00:00:00 Iterating leadership development through iteration.00:05:06 Moving into project management.00:11:58 Adapting to Agile Methodologies.00:13:28 Agile and Scrum approaches.00:19:46 Self-reflection and learning.00:26:35 Insights on organizational change.00:33:15 Shifting from criticism to learning.00:34:37 Learning through experience and respect.00:38:19 Investing in emotional intelligence.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
Iteration is crucial for improving leadership skills, while reflection enables self-assessment and adjustment in leadership approaches.
Breaking down leadership development into modules helps individuals focus on specific areas of gradual growth.
Implementing a structured iteration cycle facilitates continuous learning and improvement in leadership skills.
Reflection promotes self-awareness, identifies areas for development, and enhances leadership effectiveness.
Embracing continuous learning is essential for evolving as a leader and inspiring others.
Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for effective communication, decision-making, and relationship-building.
Cultivating meaningful connections provides guidance, opportunities, and valuable insights.
Understanding and working effectively with people is the key to success in any field.
Recognizing the value of individuals fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and learning.
Developing interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence enhances effectiveness and promotes positive work environments.
 
 
Memorable Quotes From Brian Walch
 
“Remember that it is always about people, and you should invest in emotional intelligence and develop and maintain your relationships with people."
 
CONNECT WITH Brian Walch      
 
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwalch/
Website: https://www.shiftfocus.com/
 
 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are words that have become politically charged. Kevin Wayne Johnson is a student of leadership and a leadership coach.  He believes that DEI is a core component of great leadership and that all organizations benefit from leaders who value diversity, understand equity, and practice inclusion.  To me, what he says resonates with the core principles of lean leadership. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his experience and his insights with us.  
 
 Kevin Wayne Johnson
 
Kevin Wayne Johnson, Founder and CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group, is a powerhouse in leadership development and executive coaching. With over 25 years of diverse experience in administration, leadership, coaching, mentoring, and training, Johnson customizes learning experiences to enhance efficiency, growth, awareness, and effectiveness. He is an 8-time bestselling author. He is also a former Chief of Staff for the United States Department of Defense, Johnson boasts a distinguished 34-year career spanning government and private sectors. He has spearheaded workforce development, organizational change, acquisition/procurement, customer service, and more at the Department of Defense headquarters in Fort Meade, MD. Notably, Johnson's leadership was pivotal in national initiatives like the National Performance Review for Procurement and Customer Service Reform during the Clinton Administration.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
0:03:38 - Kevin Wayne Johnson introduces himself and his career path
0:07:16 - Kevin shares examples of leadership in different cultures and the impact on people
0:10:54 - Discussion on the importance of listening and valuing others' input as a leader
0:14:32 - Definition and discussion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
0:18:10 - The importance of diverse thoughts and opinions in decision-making
0:21:48 - The value of having a diverse team in meetings and decision-making
0:25:26 - Addressing the lack of diversity in a client's leadership team
0:29:04 - Approaching the conversation about diversity with a client
0:32:42 - The positive response when asking for different perspectives

KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
Diverse leadership cultivates innovation and better problem-solving by embracing varied perspectives and backgrounds.
Fair treatment and equal opportunities are vital for creating an environment where all individuals can thrive, irrespective of their background.
An inclusive environment, where everyone feels valued and heard, boosts morale and productivity by encouraging the best contributions from each person.
Leadership with a servant's heart, characterized by respect, empathy, and compassion, sets a positive example for the team.
Actively listening to team members fosters open communication and collaboration, signaling the value placed on their contributions.
Embracing inclusive and participatory leadership approaches acknowledges the importance of diverse perspectives over traditional command and control methods.
Addressing systemic barriers and biases within organizations is crucial for establishing equitable environments where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
Mentorship and coaching opportunities significantly enhance professional development for individuals starting their careers, aiding them in overcoming challenges effectively.
 
Memorable Quotes From Kevin Wayne Johnson
“Leadership with a servant's heart is about matching what we know with what's in our heart. It's about demonstrating respect, honor, value, empathy, and compassion as leaders.”
 
CONNECT WITH Kevin Wayne Johnson
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwaynejohnson 
Website: https://thejohnsonleadershipgroup.com/ 
 

 
Have you ever realized that in order to grow you need to step out into the unknown and do things you have never done before? Beate Chelette says that those times in your life and your career are necessary for growth and transformation – and that there are ways to navigate through them as a leader and as a human. She joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about the courage to deliver transformation. 
 
Beate Chelette  
 
Beate Chelette is the Growth Architect and founder of The Women's Code. The company specializes in guiding organizations to an enhanced return on investment through Balanced Leadership. She is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, author, and expert at creating inclusive work environments. Beate has worked with notable clients such as Chevron and Merck, and her book "Happy Woman Happy World" has received international acclaim. Her journey from financial struggles to selling her photography business, has shaped her commitment to supporting women and helping them overcome professional challenges. Beate's expertise and personal story inspire others to achieve success and fulfillment in their careers.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:12 - Beata's background and becoming the Growth Architect
00:03:06 - The transformational journey of professional careers
00:05:46 - The continuous process of self-improvement for leaders
00:10:24 - The importance of clarity and decision in growth
00:17:01 - Framing difficult conversations and uncovering real questions
00:18:05 - The importance of inquiry and understanding in leadership
00:20:14 - Making decisions with confidence and trust
00:22:16 - Clarifying decisions and understanding motivations
00:30:13 - Understanding the true intent behind questions
00:31:50 - The power of framing in leadership and communication00:40:12 - The Misconception of the 'Wait and See' Approach00:46:10 - Embracing Failure as Part of the Growth Process

KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
Continuous improvement involves growth, transformation, and navigating through different stages in one's career.
Transformational journeys require leaders to step out of their comfort zones and embrace change.
The process of architecting growth involves developing strategies, systems, and processes to achieve goals.
Difficult conversations require framing, understanding underlying motives, and asking the right questions.
Leaders must be open to continuous learning and self-improvement to lead effectively.
The journey of growth and transformation is ongoing and requires constant improvement.
Leaders must let go of old ways and embrace new skills and perspectives.
Purpose-driven individuals are often more fulfilled and successful than those focused on money.

Memorable Quotes From Beate Chelette  
 
"Success is driven by what we internally expect and what we allow ourselves to receive."
 
CONNECT WITH Beate Chelette      
 
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatechelette 
Website: https://thewomenscode.com/about/ 
Website: https://beatechelette.com/