Accidentally Aligned: How Is Value Defined?

How value is defined is directly linked to how we identify waste in our systems.

Think of this example for a moment. In a symphony, there is certainly duplication of instruments. There are even different musicians that are playing the exact same notes in the same way. So at first glance, one may seek to simplify this process by removing the duplication of efforts. One may even go as far as to suggest that we just create the same sounds using a digital device.

The problem with this mindset is that it lacks value. Value is defined by the customer. The reason that customers are willing to pay more for the ticket, is because of the live sound experience that is created by the orchestra.

Many a leader has been well-intentioned, by seeking to remove waste from their process, only to remove value.

In situations like the one above, wasted is removed through practice. Through the removal of inefficiencies, we can increase value in this case, not through the removal of duplication.

Are there other areas where we might be seeing this? Today, many systems overlook key ideas such as humility in leadership, transparency, active listening, and genuine care for others. When leaders recognize that these qualities are not valued by their system, it becomes evident that the system sees them as waste rather than value.

Remember this key point. When we teach our people to identify and remove waste, they will watch to see what it is we value, because the two are so closely related. It is crucial to acknowledge that what leaders are willing to tolerate will ultimately shape the culture. If a culture of disrespect is tolerated, employees will perceive that respect holds no value and will eliminate it to enhance efficiency of the things that are valued. This is a terrible place to an organization to be. My challenge today is to evaluate what our customers need and then align value and produce it as efficiently as possible.

Let's make tomorrow better than today.