What aspect of teamwork is emphasized by Lean principles?

Lean principles place a strong emphasis on collaborative problem solving as a core aspect of teamwork. This approach fosters an environment where team members are encouraged to work together across different functions and levels of an organization to identify and eliminate waste, improve processes, and enhance overall efficiency. The idea is that through collaboration, diverse perspectives can lead to more innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of the problems being faced.

Collaborative problem solving involves engaging all team members in discussions, using their unique insights to contribute to the resolution of challenges. This not only enhances buy-in from the team, as members feel valued and involved, but it also often leads to more sustainable improvements because the solutions are developed as a collective effort.

In contrast, individual performance measurements could undermine teamwork by emphasizing personal achievements over group objectives. Hierarchical decision-making may stifle collaboration by limiting input and feedback from those who are directly involved in a process. Standardized procedures against all processes can create rigidity and restrict flexibility, making it challenging for teams to adapt and innovate together.