At the end of the British Steel Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt course, I always play 'Dancing Man.’ Why? What has this to do with improvement?
The ‘dancing man’ (or more correctly young man) is initially a lone dancer at a music festival. He is doing a crazy dance with the majority of people just sitting watching him. After some minutes, he is joined by a second guy who also starts dancing in a crazy fashion, closely followed by a third.
Ultimately more and more people follow until those sitting and watching are in the minority.
The dancing man has created a movement but, critically, it is the first couple of brave followers who have created the momentum.
This video reminds us that a few individuals with persistence and sheer determination can change the mindset of a large number of people.
This is our aim at British Steel.
By creating momentum through leadership, developing people, fostering best practice and creating a governance structure, we will deliver a different way for our company.
I would recommend anyone with an interest in improvement and lean to watch the Dancing Man. Watch it and take confidence that we are changing the cultural direction of our company.