Lean Thoughts

We're already LEAN !! After twenty years, 221 clients, and more than $100 million in documented savings, I've heard that phrase more times than I can count.

If implemented carefully, digital solutions can certainly help increase the effectiveness of long-standing Lean Methodologies. But the key word is “carefully.”

When a company tells me they have gone LEAN, it actually means they have most likely simply given up or stalled. I snicker at programs offering some sort of martial belt of accomplishment or an outright offering of LEAN Certification.

You know the "D" word I am talking about. The aspirational word uttered by about every leader I work with. That super-attractive, theoretical, ever-elusive, I-know-I-need-to-do-it-but-can-never-figure-out-how word. That word that will unlock the key to success or, at a minimum, sanity:

Looking at you, and your productivity style will be able to slot you into a specific Productivity category. None are either good or bad it just is you.

Alarm Bells were sounded, highlighting a critical concern that Standardized Work was eliminating Innovation within the workplace.

This post is not to question making changes but rather how. First, you when you decide to machine a part you would not start until someone had provided you with a drawing so you know what you will be creating. Similar if you decide to build a house I am certain you will start with some key requirements like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms ... the requirements will then be incorporated into a blueprint so the builder will understand what you want and the blueprint quanti

Going to See with a purpose. In lean management, we call this "going to gemba"—the actual place where value is created. Not to inspect, but to understand, support, and coach.

The infection rate of Emotional Stress dramatically increases when your processes are unpredictable..

Never forget: Your employees are a top asset, but if you botch your relationships with them, you could create a work environment with low morale and little productivity.

Standard Work. My immediate response, was no friggin way !! No body is going to control every minute of my day by telling what to do, when to do it and why?

The collective knowledge from real-world business experience, especially at the executive level, is extremely valuable to companies...