Industry leader talks rebuilding lean culture during briefs to Robins leaders Published Sept. 17, 2009 By Kendahl Johnson 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- In an effort to further commit to making lean an integral part of Robins' culture, senior leadership invited to the base one of the foremost experts in leading transformations. George Koenigsaecker, president of Lean Investments, LLC, spent two days at Robins sharing insight gleamed from 30 years of lean experience in the corporate arena. His focus was on the leadership aspects of an organizational transformation and what it takes to build a lean culture. "The one essential ingredient in successful lean transformation is active, hands-on involvement by senior leadership," Mr. Koenigsaecker said. Col. Bob Stambaugh, vice commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, said although a transformation won't happen overnight, the senior staff is committed to establishing a lean culture. "One of the main elements of our strategic plan is to reinstitute lean and really make it a part of our culture," Colonel Stambaugh said. "It's not something that is going to happen next week or next month or even next year, but we are going to start now and with dedication and hard work, we will get there." Mr. Koenigsaecker first met with the executive council leadership group, followed by a three-hour session with group and squadron leaders and lean core teams. The central theme of his message was that lean transformation may not be easy, but it is effective and worth the effort. "Lean is a set of tools and practices that will allow you to improve any kind of work," he said. "If you get maximum results and build a culture that can continue for many years, that's a major transformation and will bring tremendous success." He said lean principles are not difficult to understand, but it is often hard to change behaviors and habits, especially when employees have been doing things for the same way for so long. Mr. Koenigsaecker spent time discussing three main areas that will impact the implementation of lean principles: expectations and measurements, lean leadership challenges and organizing for success. Lt. Col. Tom Ficklin, deputy director of the 78th Mission Support Group, attended the lean session with workers from across the base and said it was "exciting to see this cross-cutting collaboration." "I fully support lean initiatives," Colonel Ficklin said. "It's great we can get this many people together to discuss these important principles."