The results associated with defining and deploying the role of Steward in a Continuous Improvement or Lean Six-Sigma initiative – or any initiative for that matter – is going to be the difference between achieved success and not. With the role of Steward in-place, the benefits will be;
– Goals are established – with the ongoing and continual management of real expectations set on an on-going, closed-loop basis. Since goals are modulated from the realities communicated by-directionally, there should be a dramatic reduction in the instances of “failing to meet objectives”. The dreams, or even “fantasies” may not be realized, but the expectations will be.
– Support Resources are properly identified and allocated – with the team members having an advocate who will assess the needs required to successfully carry-out the objectives and who will communicate these needs to the leadership.
– The roles and value-add of all crew members will increase in a far quicker, predictable, and measurable manner. They will also increase their positive impact across the organization because the priorities and manner will be communicated, shared and coordinated.
As the Steward is someone who is “entrusted”, there should be the expectation that all communications are pure and without biased intent – that the intent of the vision, the assessments of needs, the recommendations to the leadership are all being conveyed in an environment of intimacy and unreserved trust. If such trust does not exist, then the Steward is no longer the Steward.
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