Group Leaders
Personalize This
Get insights for your role
Group leaders are front-line managers responsible for multiple teams, typically overseeing several team leaders and their work groups.
Definition
Group leaders are front-line managers responsible for multiple work teams, typically supervising 3-5 team leaders and 20-50 operators. In Toyota's structure, group leaders are the first level of management (team leaders are working leads, not managers). Group leaders own their area's performance, develop team leaders, resolve problems that team leaders escalate, and ensure standard work is followed. They spend significant time in the gemba supporting teams rather than in offices managing paperwork. Group leaders bridge between shop floor operations and higher management, translating company objectives into daily action.
Examples
A machining department group leader manages three shift team leaders. They ensure consistency across shifts, investigate quality issues that span shifts, develop team leaders' skills, and represent the department in cross-functional improvement activities.
Key Points
- First level of formal management in the lean hierarchy
- Responsible for developing team leaders and building capability
- Spends significant time in gemba, not office-bound
- Bridges between daily operations and organizational objectives
Common Misconceptions
Group leader is just another name for supervisor. The role's intent matters. Group leaders in lean systems focus on development and problem-solving, not just directing work and managing schedules.
Group leaders should solve all escalated problems. They should develop team leaders to solve more problems themselves, not create dependency. Coaching, not doing, is the primary value.