Giving Wings to Her Team: A Novel About Learning to Coach the Toyota Kata Way

Denise is a fast-rising consultant who becomes frustrated and disillusioned with her leadership role. She enters Lean consulting mode but faces resistance from her supervisors. A mentor from an unlikely place appears and shares the Toyota Kata approach, which helps Denise develop and apply scientific thinking and coaching skills to empower her team and achieve their goals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Denise had a burning desire to become a leader who could inspire and involve her team, but she was growing increasingly frustrated and disillusioned. As a young consultant at a prominent advisory firm, she had secured a managerial position in a highly competitive industry. However, crisis struck when low-cost competitors gained significant market share, leading to late shipments and widespread chaos. Denise attempted to implement Lean consulting principles, but she quickly realized that her supervisors were not fully on board. They found the Lean tools confusing and a distraction from their primary goal of getting products out.

Determined to turn things around, Denise embarked on a journey of discovery and skill development. She delved beyond the mere tools and concepts of Lean and focused on daily practices that could help her supervisors achieve their objectives. One approach that caught her attention was Toyota Kata, a method that empowers individuals to develop and apply scientific thinking, fostering an exploratory mindset of curiosity and experimentation.

As Denise continued her journey, she encountered a mentor from an unexpected source who shared valuable insights with her. This mentor taught her how to coach her team, guiding them through the process of identifying and solving real problems they faced every day. With each step, Denise's supervisors began to engage more deeply, and they started to see the benefits of the coaching approach.

As Denise honed her coaching skills, she witnessed her team overcome challenges and become more resilient. They were no longer merely adhering to best practices; they were practicing how to navigate their way to their desired destination. Denise's transformation as a manager was remarkable, and she became an inspiration to her colleagues. She taught them the value of scientific thinking and coaching, and they, in turn, embraced these skills and applied them to their work.

The impact of Denise's leadership was far-reaching. The team she managed not only achieved their goals but also surpassed their expectations. They became more productive, efficient, and innovative, and they developed a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. The company's performance improved significantly, and Denise's team was recognized for their outstanding contributions.

In conclusion, Denise's journey from frustration to fulfillment was a testament to the power of leadership, continuous learning, and the application of practical skills. Her story highlights the importance of empowering teams and developing individuals to reach their full potential. By teaching and practicing scientific thinking and coaching skills, leaders can unlock the potential of their teams and create a culture of continuous improvement.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367365530