Lean: The Unsung Hero of Employee Engagement That Actually Works

For years I got lean all wrong. I thought it was all about process efficiency, charts, checklists, and cutting costs. I could not have been more mistaken. The real magic of lean is about people. It is about respecting them, empowering them, and creating workplaces where their ideas and talents can thrive.

In this episode of Consulting Matters, I sat down with Tom West and Mark Ryan of Green Dot Consulting, self-proclaimed “improvement nerds” who are on a mission to rescue the world from bad processes. What we uncovered together is that lean is not just a pathway to higher performance. It is one of the most powerful and practical ways to increase employee engagement.

Why Employee Engagement Strategies Often Miss the Mark

Many organizations talk about “employee engagement” as if it is an HR program or a recognition event. The problem is, when leaders see disengagement such as low morale, high absenteeism, or constant complaints, they often try to fix the symptoms rather than the cause. That usually means quick-hit programs, spot training, or a bump in pay.

The truth is those things do not address the root issues. The root cause is often buried deep in the way work actually gets done. Broken processes, wasted effort, and untapped employee creativity are the real obstacles.

Complaints Are Not the Problem, They Are the Clues

One of my favorite discoveries in my career is that the best performers often complain the most. They care enough to notice when something is broken and they speak up because they want to make it better.

Too many leaders see complaints as negativity to eliminate. When you listen differently, complaints are really data. They are a cry for help and a map to the very problems that, if solved, could boost performance and morale.

Lean gives us the tools to take that feedback, involve employees in problem-solving, and turn frustration into momentum.

Lean’s Secret Superpower: Respect for People

Lean is often misunderstood as pure efficiency, but at its core it is about respect for people. That means:

• Valuing employee ideas and creativity

• Giving them the tools and language to identify and solve problems

• Removing the waste that makes their work harder than it needs to be

When employees see their ideas taken seriously and acted upon, engagement skyrockets. Not because of a program, but because they feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Waste Is the Enemy, Not the People

In tough economic times, the knee-jerk reaction is often layoffs. As Tom and Mark put it so well:

“Eliminate the waste in the system, not the people in the system.”

By engaging employees in identifying and eliminating waste, whether that is wasted time, resources, or talent, organizations can improve productivity and profitability without sacrificing morale or culture.

The Business Case for Lean-Driven Engagement

Engaged employees do not just feel better about their jobs. They get more done, with higher quality, and with fewer costly errors. That is good for the bottom line and it is good for brand reputation.

In a world where every company is under scrutiny for how it treats its people, creating a culture where employees leave work “good tired” — fulfilled, accomplished, and energized — pays dividends far beyond the balance sheet.

My Challenge to Leaders and Consultants

If you are serious about engagement, you cannot silo it in HR or treat it as a stand-alone program. Bring together your HR, OD, L&D, and lean teams to work as one center of excellence for improving both the people and process sides of the business.

If you are an external consultant, especially if you have never partnered with a lean practitioner before, now is the time. I wish I had understood years ago how much value this partnership could bring.

Now More Than Ever

In uncertain times, it is tempting to cut people-first initiatives. Now more than ever, we need to focus on them because the way through uncertainty is to engage the very people who will help you navigate it.

Lean is not just a way to drive performance and engagement. It is the way.

About me: 

Betsy Jordyn is a brand messaging strategist and business mentor for purpose-driven consultants and coaches. With a background in organizational development—including a consulting career with Disney—she helps experts clarify their unique value, position themselves strategically, and build businesses that deliver impact, income, and personal fulfillment. Connect with Betsy Jordyn to clarify your message, elevate your brand, and attract the clients you're meant to serve. Start here → https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services