Learning is an ongoing journey with a destination of constant improvement. In the workplace, Lean rules and principles are structured on the pursuit of learning that is shared, recorded and transmitted to every member of the organization.

In an August 19, 2016 informal interview at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in South Africa, Adv. Kevin Malunga, Public Protector of South Africa, refers to his own learning journey as “a work in progress” and states that “he is still learning from what he does every day.”[1]

In the interview, Adv. Malunga provides a number of important observations that he’s learned along the way:

  • Integrity always wins no matter what comes in your way or is thrown at you.
  • Progress is a process of trial and error. It is a situation of some you win and some you lose, but you keep on walking.
  • Teamwork is important and comes from the ability to motivate and galvanise people into a team.
  • Learn from mistakes and the mistakes of others.
  • Embrace diversity. Differences can be a source of strength (and weakness) whether it is racial, cultural or religious. South Africa is still struggling with this, but should realise that we can learn a lot from each other.
  • Overcome adversity. Going through everyday pressures and struggles helps one to eventually overcome it.
  • Value each and every human being.
  • Citizen awareness. Keep in mind that it is taxpayer’s money that is involved when overcharging the government in a procurement process.
  • Read a lot to keep yourself informed.[2]

Each of Adv. Malunga’s learning principles are the foundation of Lean Learning.

Like every learning professional, Adv. Malunga is always a student. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Juridical Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in the U.S.

In his excellent November 8, 2016 Chief Learning Officer newsletter, “Learning Professionals Must Be Learners,” Elliott Masie, chairman and CLO of The Masie Center, states that “as we consume our own learning experiences, we discover valuable areas for improvement.”[3]

Only after we set out on our own roadmap of learning will we be able to fully appreciate Lean’s commitment to an ongoing journey of improvement or “living textbook” of opportunities eagerly awaiting our discovery.

About Lean Learning Center

The Lean Learning Center was founded in 2001 to address the gaps and barriers that are holding back companies from successful and sustainable lean transformation. In addition to the advanced curriculum, the Center has developed a learning environment designed specifically for adult learning utilizing techniques that include discovery simulations, case studies, personal planning, and reflection – ultimately engaging people at a deep and personal level. We bring our unique lean understanding in creative ways to executives, managers, supervisors, change agents and front-line employees.

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[1]http://www.usb-ed.com/content/Pages/Career-An-ongoing-journey-of-learning.aspx

[2] Ibid.

[3] Masie, Elliott. “Learning Professionals Must Be Learners”. Chief Learning Officer, November 8, 2016.