CLL Communication & Stakeholder Relations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Lean Leader is preparing a value stream mapping session with cross-functional stakeholders. What is the MOST effective way to ensure all perspectives are captured?
- Assign a single subject-matter expert to document the entire stream
- Include representatives from every function that touches the value stream (Correct answer)
- Limit participation to process owners to reduce noise
- Conduct individual interviews instead of a group session
Correct answer: Include representatives from every function that touches the value stream
Including representatives from every function ensures diverse perspectives and shared ownership of the current-state map.
Question 2: During a Lean transformation, a department manager publicly challenges the validity of waste data presented in a town hall. How should the Lean Leader respond?
- Defend the data aggressively to maintain credibility
- Acknowledge the concern, invite the manager to review the data jointly, and follow up (Correct answer)
- Dismiss the challenge and continue the presentation
- Remove the manager from future Lean activities
Correct answer: Acknowledge the concern, invite the manager to review the data jointly, and follow up
Acknowledging concerns openly and offering collaborative review builds trust and models Lean problem-solving behavior.
Question 3: Which communication tool is BEST suited for conveying complex Lean project status to senior executives who have limited time?
- Detailed process maps with swim lanes
- A3 report summarizing problem, analysis, countermeasures, and results (Correct answer)
- A lengthy email thread with supporting attachments
- Verbal updates during daily stand-up meetings
Correct answer: A3 report summarizing problem, analysis, countermeasures, and results
The A3 format condenses complex information onto a single page, making it ideal for executive-level communication.
Question 4: A stakeholder map reveals that a key supplier has high influence but low interest in the Lean initiative. What engagement strategy is most appropriate?
- Keep them informed with minimal, targeted communication (Correct answer)
- Involve them deeply in daily improvement activities
- Ignore them since their interest is low
- Transfer all responsibility for engagement to procurement
Correct answer: Keep them informed with minimal, targeted communication
High-influence, low-interest stakeholders should be kept satisfied with periodic, relevant updates rather than over-engaged.
Question 5: When facilitating a kaizen event, a Lean Leader notices two team members are in a heated disagreement about a proposed countermeasure. What is the best immediate action?
- Allow the argument to resolve itself naturally
- Pause the discussion, acknowledge both viewpoints, and refocus on data (Correct answer)
- Overrule both and impose a decision
- Adjourn the event until emotions settle
Correct answer: Pause the discussion, acknowledge both viewpoints, and refocus on data
Pausing to acknowledge perspectives and redirecting to data maintains psychological safety and keeps the team focused on facts.
Question 6: Which principle of Lean communication supports the practice of holding daily stand-up meetings at the gemba?
- Go to where the work happens to see actual conditions firsthand (Correct answer)
- Reduce total meeting time by eliminating all formal reviews
- Centralize decision-making to speed up communication
- Replace visual management with verbal reports
Correct answer: Go to where the work happens to see actual conditions firsthand
Gemba-based stand-ups align with 'go see' (genchi genbutsu), ensuring communication is grounded in actual conditions.
Question 7: A Lean Leader wants to gauge stakeholder resistance before launching a new 5S initiative. Which method provides the most actionable insight?
- Reviewing past project post-mortems only
- Conducting structured one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders (Correct answer)
- Sending a mass email survey to all employees
- Observing social media comments about the company
Correct answer: Conducting structured one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders
One-on-one interviews surface nuanced resistance and build personal rapport that helps address concerns proactively.
CLL Communication & Stakeholder Relations 2
A Lean Leader is preparing a value stream mapping session with cross-functional stakeholders.
What is the MOST effective way to ensure all perspectives are captured?