What is “Continuous Improvement?”
"Continuous improvement means getting better every day and is the driver for building a sustainable enterprise. Only those at the gemba [where the work is done] can understand the problems…
The Key to Success
"The key to success is to have a production system that highlights problems and a human system that produces people who are able and willing to identify and solve them.…
Leaders are Teachers
"A strong assumption within Toyota's culture is that managers are leaders and leaders are teachers. This is something you cannot easily see simply touring a Toyota plant. The most important…
Thinking “naturally” of improvement
"The next value is the development of a Kaizen Mind — you think naturally in terms of improvement. You reveal openly any imperfections — any waste, anything that does not…
Most Problems are System Problems
"Dr. W. Edwards Deming had a profound impact on Toyota in many ways, but one thing in particular stands out: a deep belief that most problems are system problems that…
Solving Problems at the Source
"…Toyota learned long ago that solving problems at the source saves time and money downstream. By continually surfacing problems and fixing them as they occur, you eliminate waste, productivity soars,…
Leaders are Teachers…of Problem Solving
"A strong assumption within Toyota's culture is that managers are leaders and leaders are teachers. This is something you cannot easily see simply touring a Toyota plant. The most important…
The Importance of Problem Solving
"The importance of problem solving in the Toyota culture cannot be emphasized enough." Toyota Culture by Jeffrey Liker & Michael Hoseus (McGraw Hill, 2008) p. 38.
Focus on Problem Solving
Problem-Solving is vital in the Lean Business Culture, and I plan to invest another week on this topic. Here are 3 important points about problems: We WILL have problems. Because…
Use “5-Whys” to find Root Cause
"When confronted with a problem, have you ever stopped and asked why five times? It is difficult to do even though it sounds easy. For example, suppose a machine stopped…