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Think leadership is about having the answers? We take a different path with GBMP president Dan Fleming, unpacking how the Shingo Model helps leaders turn values into daily behaviors that actually move results. Dan shares a relatable early-career story—being “the title” in the room while the people closest to the work were sidelined—and how respect every individual and lead with humility transformed how he built teams, solved problems, and measured success.

We break down the Shingo Model in practical terms: principles should drive systems, systems should guide tools, and all of it should connect to results with people at the center. That means less obsession with events and templates, and more attention to the behaviors that make tools work. Dan offers hands-on tactics for psychological safety, from protecting idea time to treating moments of truth as culture-shaping. You’ll hear how to prevent the three Ds in brainstorming—discussing, debating, dismissing—and why reframing “solutions” as “countermeasures” keeps learning alive.

For new leaders, we map a focused first 90 days: go to the Gemba, study both the object of work and the subject of work, and assess not only how work is done but how improvement is done. Then act—balance empathy with decisions that remove friction and enable contribution. One powerful shift: when someone brings you a problem, ask “What do you need from me?” This single question returns ownership to the expert at the source and clarifies the support only you can provide. The big takeaway is simple and demanding: change your own behavior first. When humility and respect move from ideas to habits, culture follows—and results compound.

If this conversation sparked ideas, share it with a teammate, subscribe for more leadership deep dives, and leave a quick review with your favorite takeaway. What’s the one behavior you’ll practice this week?

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