What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
In this episode, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald sit down with Andrew Kettner to discuss why one of the most overlooked leadership skills, eye contact, can have a profound impact on trust, communication, and continuous improvement.
Andrew explains how effective leaders must look beyond reports, dashboards, and data by practicing Lean’s “go and see” mindset. Through genuine face-to-face interactions, leaders gain valuable insights into emotions, engagement, and the real challenges their teams face. The conversation also explores the connection between eye contact, empathy, emotional intelligence, and building stronger workplace relationships. Andrew shares personal stories from his military leadership experience and cancer journey that demonstrate how meaningful human connections can influence both leadership and life.
Whether you’re leading a Lean transformation or simply looking to become a more effective leader, this episode offers practical ways to strengthen your leadership presence by learning to truly see the people you lead.
Key Takeaways:
- Great leaders practice “go and see” by engaging directly with people—not just data.
- Eye contact builds trust, empathy, and stronger workplace relationships.
- Emotional intelligence helps leaders better understand both people and processes.
- Small, intentional interactions create stronger Lean cultures and better leadership.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkettner
https://www.findleansolutions.com/
https://www.findleansolutions.com/lean-summit/