Leader Standard Work: It's Not Just Where You Go, But How You Show Up
Too often, the concept of Leader Standard Work (LSW) in Lean is reduced to… a calendar. Blocks of time. Gemba walk appointments. Huddles are scheduled on a recurring basis. A color-coded matrix of what you'll do and where you'll be.
But what about the way you behave when you're there?
Leader Standard Work should be more than a checklist of places to go. It should be a daily commitment to how you show up as a Lean leader–every minute of the day. LSW isn't just about actions–it's about presence, mindset, and modeling the culture we hope to build.
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Where to Go & What to Do
Below are two photos that I took over a decade ago. It was perhaps the first time I visited a CEO who was proud that the whole C-suite team each had a “leader standard work” document.
I'd say there's nothing wrong with this — but listing out one's schedule or roles and responsibilities isn't necessarily a strictly Lean practice.
Below is an example from a hospital that was also fairly prescriptive about what to do. But it doesn't spell the mindsets that matter, such as “How do we react when there are quality concerns?”
Now, these documents don't prove that the organizations weren't also focused on behaviors in other ways…
This example, from my travels, gets closer to focusing on behaviors other than asking questions:
- Solicit feedback
- Encourage collaboration
- Encourage use of problem solving tools
- Asking, “What did we learn?” (a classic Toyota question)
Going to the Gemba Isn't Helpful with the Wrong Behaviors
I recently got an emailed complaint from a hospital staff member (who is very pro-Lean) complained that the CEO is rarely seen at the Gemba–unless it's to lead a VIP tour. And even then, the leader walks past frontline staff without acknowledgment. No eye contact. No questions. No thanks.
Some hold this hospital and the CEO up as Lean exemplars. I don't know. I've never visited the hospital or the CEO.
Meanwhile, the staff member describes a workplace filled with (in their view):
- chronic overburden
- supply shortages,
- a blame-heavy environment, and
- a pervasive fear of retaliation.
Psychological safety doesn't just feel absent–it feels unthinkable. Unsurprisingly, they report turnover is high. Talented people like the one who emailed me are “quietly planning their exits.”
And yet, from the boardroom or podium, this same CEO speaks of Lean as a strategic imperative.
This isn't about pointing fingers.
It's about pointing out the disconnect between leadership talk and leadership behaviors.
A Lean title doesn't make someone a Lean leader. Your behavior does
A related post on a VP not having the right mindsets:
Behavior-Based Leader Standard Work
Instead of focusing on what's on your calendar, what if we focused on what's in your interactions?
Here's a proposed Behavior-Based Leader Standard Work Checklist–something you can reflect on, not just check off. I think this could apply to leaders at all levels. A standard, perhaps.
You shouldn't be happy with your “I went to Gemba!” sticker if you didn't model and practice Lean mindsets and principles. That's like a management participation trophy.
Daily Behavioral Checklist for Lean Leaders
1. Did I ask more than I told?
Lean leaders lead with questions. “What do you think?” is often more powerful than “Here's what you should do.”
2. Did I listen without interrupting?
Listening–truly listening–is a behavior, not a passive state. It builds psychological safety and shows respect.
3. Did I thank someone for pointing out a problem?
Every problem shared is a gift. Did you treat it like one?
4. Did I acknowledge a small improvement?
Kaizen-style improvement thrives on small wins. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.
5. Did I resist jumping to solutions?
It's easy to “fix.” It's harder–but more effective–to coach others toward solving.
6. Did I model humility?
Admit when you don't know. Own your mistakes. It gives others permission to do the same.
7. Did I create space for someone else to lead?
Sometimes, the best leadership move is stepping aside and supporting others as they take the lead.
8. Did I follow up on yesterday's concern or idea?
Improvement dies without follow-through. Did you close the loop?
9. Did I ask “What can I do to help?” sincerely–and mean it?
Offering support without strings attached is foundational to trust and continuous improvement.
10. Did I reflect on my behavior today?
Just as we ask teams to reflect in daily huddles or A3s, leaders should do the same–starting with themselves.
Beyond the Checklist: A Leadership Habit
This isn't about turning behavior into a mindless routine–it's about being intentional. The calendar might remind us when to lead, but these behaviors remind us how to lead.
Leader Standard Work, when done right, isn't a bureaucratic burden. It's a compass. A way to bring our values to life.
Let's stop treating LSW as a rigid schedule. Let's treat it as a reflection of who we are becoming–as Lean leaders, and as humans.
Would you add or change anything in this behavior-based checklist? How do you reflect on your daily leadership habits?
Related Post:
When you go to the gemba, don't just stare at metrics and boards:
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- Engage people at all levels in sustainable improvement
- Shift from fear of mistakes to learning from them
- Apply Lean thinking in practical, people-centered ways
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