“People often equate “Lean” with the tools that are used to create efficiencies and standardize processes. However, implementing tools represents at most 20 percent of the effort in Lean transformations. The other 80 percent of the effort is expended on changing leaders’ practices and behaviors, and ultimately their mindset. Senior management has an essential role […]

During one of my recent client visits, a Team Leader told me that one of his Team Members “refuses” to follow the Standardized Work for the daily production process. The TL explained that he’s reminded the team (and this individual) several times to follow the current best-known process steps. Despite this, the “guy keeps doing […]

“In order for leaders to create environments where skilled and motivated people can bring their skills, work together in a safe environment as well as a smart environment, to make the best products and services in the world, and improve their efficiency every year, we need their hearts and minds.”  Alan Mulally, quoted in Designing […]

(Note from Ray: I took break from Posting back in mid-December. I plan to resume–probably at a pace of about 1 post per week. Here’s a re-write of a post from March 2024 on the Christian foundation of Lean.) Bible-believing Christians know that Adam and Eve’s fall in sin brought death and destruction into the […]

“Lean is a transformation that builds toward a continuous improvement culture, not just a ‘program’ that’s designed to make tactical gains. Lean can certainly help as a short-term tactical tool, but the big gains are in the creation of a continuous improvement machine inside your own organization that drives both personal and organizational growth. That […]