The Role and Journey of a Continuous Improvement Leader in an Organization

CI (Continuous Improvement) specialists and managers play crucial roles in organizations, particularly in industrial settings.  They focus on enhancing processes and performance within the organization.
These are the skills required and the role and responsibilities of a Continuous Improvement Manager.

Relationship Between Continuous Improvement (CI) and Operational Excellence (OpEx):

• CI is closely related to Operational Excellence and is part of it.
• While Operational  Excellence aims at making performance world-class, CI focuses on optimizing existing assets and resources.

Areas of Focus for CI/OpEx Specialists:

• CI/OpEx specialists work in several areas, including operational systems, management systems, behavior programs, and leadership alignment.
• They use methodologies like Six Sigma and Lean to enhance operational efficiency. 

• They may specialize in specific areas. Their specialization depends on the organization's needs and areas of improvement.  For example, these could be to reduce breakdowns, improve material efficiency, or eliminate defects.

Variations in CI Department Structure and Organizational Models for CI:

• The organization's structure may vary, with CI departments integrated with management, technology, or engineering departments.
• CI/OpEx leaders coach on efforts across different areas of the organization.
• Different organizations may have various models for CI implementation.
• Understanding these models helps in tailoring CI efforts to specific organizational needs and goals.

The Common Role of OpEx/CI Leaders:

• Work to create a culture of continuous improvement within the organization. 
• Ensure that the organization has effective KPIs and action plans in place.
• Build systems that enable employees to maximize their impact on safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

• Continually adapt and learn as they work to improve the organization.
• They may start with a focus on production but eventually work with all departments and grow into OpEx.

Responsibilities as a Continuous Improvement Leader: 

(This specific role is usually for one site and reports to the site's top leader)

• Develop a general roadmap and a deployment plan for OpEx implementation.

• Ensure employees are educated and there are systems to build their capabilities in leadership, facilitation, problem-solving, and OpEx methodologies. 
• Promote continuous improvement methodologies and practices.
• Serve as a coach and mentor.

Skills Required for a Continuous Improvement Manager:

• Passion for continuous improvement and a zero-loss mentality.
• Proficiency in OpEx methodologies (lean, six sigma, TPM/WCM, kaizen, and problem-solving) and tools.
• Ability to coach leaders on leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong motivation to bring tangible results through improvement activities.
• Curiosity and a hands-on approach.
• Proven track record as a continuous improvement engineer, specialist or pillar leader.
• Green belt and black belt training (a plus).

Additional Characteristics: 

• Dedication continuously learn.  
• Patience, persistence, and resilience in driving lean transformation.
• Strong credibility within the organization to influence leaders.
• Data analytics and Digital Transformation skills

Course Forward: 

The demand for OpEx/CI Leaders is rising as companies strive to become more efficient while reducing waste.  These leaders are essential in transforming organizations' culture.  High-level skills across various disciplines are required for success.  Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in this evolving field.

Recommendations:

• Ensure they have the entire body of knowledge, skills and experience to coach a transformation.  For this, a skills assessment would be valuable to evaluate their strengths and opportunities, so that they can work on developing those skill gaps (it takes a long time to learn it all).   Here is the most comprehensive yet simple OpEx Skills Assessment to perform this activity.   It's free and takes 20 minutes.  Click here to access it:  https://www.beltcourse.com/coach-assessment-1 
•  The first 90 days of a CI Manager are critical for their success, as they need to adapt their role and approach to the status of the organization in their OpEx journey.  Here's a Free Mini-Course for the first 90 days as a CI Manager.    https://www.beltcourse.com/ci-manager-mini-course

Sources (best YouTube videos on these subjects):