What Is Leader Standard Work In Lean?

What is Leader’s Standard Work in Lean? This concept is a hidden gem within Lean methodologies, especially in construction. If you’re eager to grasp how it can transform your productivity and goal achievement, you’re in the right place. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand how to treat your time with the same care you afford your money and why Leader’s Standard Work can be the game-changer you need to reach your career and personal objectives.

Let’s dive into why you might not be hitting your targets and how Leader’s Standard Work can help. If you’re committed to elevating your career and life, stay with us. Here’s how this system can help you achieve your goals.

What Really Happens With Your Time

Imagine this: you have a decent amount of money in your bank account, and someone gains unauthorized access to it. They withdraw funds without your permission, possibly even for frivolous reasons. By the end of the week, you find yourself unable to cover essential expenses like your mortgage or provide for your family. How would you feel? Mad? Enraged? What if I told you this is exactly what happens with your time?

Time, much like money, is a valuable resource. Just as unauthorized access to your bank account would be unacceptable, so too is the mismanagement of your time. People can invite you to meetings or schedule tasks without regard for your priorities, leaving you stressed and overwhelmed. The consequence? You miss out on important family time, personal health, and professional milestones.

What Is Leader’s Standard Work?

Leader’s Standard Work involves scheduling and managing the tasks you must complete to achieve your goals. Here’s how you can approach it:

1. Identify Your Role and Goals: Start with a clarity document. Define your long-term goals (e.g., 100 years from now, 5-10 years, and the next 6-18 months). Break these down into actionable steps.
2. Create a Weekly Plan: On a Monday through Friday basis, plan your standard calendar week. Include:
   • Family: Schedule time with loved ones, date nights, and important family activities.
   • Yourself: Incorporate personal time for health, mental well-being, and self-care.
   • Leadership Tasks: Include the key responsibilities that only you can fulfill in your role.
   • Job Chaos: Allocate time for unexpected tasks or disruptions, but only after prioritizing the above categories.
3. Implement and Adjust: Begin by scheduling these priorities. If you’re an executive with an unpredictable week, adjust as needed, but maintain the core principles of prioritizing family, self, and leadership tasks.

Advantages Of Leader’s Standard Work

Even if unexpected events arise, having a structured plan helps you stay focused. As the saying goes, “Aim small, miss small.” By planning your week, you might not complete everything, but you’ll still make significant progress toward your goals. This method ensures you remain on an upward trajectory, even if you can’t meet every single goal.

How To Create A Plan For The Day

Here’s the genius of Leader’s Standard Work:

1. Morning Routine: Start your day with a routine that centers you and sets a positive tone.
2. Plan Your Day: Use your Leader’s Standard Work calendar and to-do list to organize your day. Prioritize urgent tasks and allow for some buffer time.
3. Daily Execution: Focus on executing your planned tasks and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. This approach not only helps you stay productive but also enables you to go home feeling fulfilled and happy.

Dale Carnegie’s “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living” emphasizes living in “day-tight compartments.” By focusing on your daily plan and not stressing about the past or future, you reduce anxiety and maintain a healthy mindset.