What is the future of Lean management when some of its leading proponents construct an alternate reality in which Lean transformation processes are claimed to be fail-safe? Perhaps Lean is unlike anything else in existence, given to us fully formed by its creator, and, in some magical or occult way, … [Read more...] about Lean Can’t Fail!
Lean Graft Incompatibility
Here is a practical way to understand how Lean management usually fails to take hold in brownfield organizations that have for years been governed by classical management thinking and practice.Grafting is a horticultural technique whereby two plants are joined together to allow the graft to grow … [Read more...] about Lean Graft Incompatibility
Static vs. Dynamic Lean
The big benefit of TPS and Lean is the change from batch-and-queue processing to one-piece flow. This is what generates huge business impact in terms of lower cost, higher quality, shorter lead-times, higher throughput, better safety, and so on. But over the years, the focus on Lean tools, driven by … [Read more...] about Static vs. Dynamic Lean
In Search of Lean CEOs
In business, the word "unicorn" means a startup company that has a billion-dollar valuation. Unlike the mythical beast, unicorn companies do exist but are rare. Much like unicorn companies, Lean companies are also rare, as are their CEOs. Lean companies are a different kind of company and Lean CEOs … [Read more...] about In Search of Lean CEOs
System T and Lean
The two major forms of progressive management practice that emerged over last 100-plus years both struggled to survive. Why does today's form of progressive management, Lean management -- something with proven benefits and so much potential to do good for humanity -- struggle to survive against the … [Read more...] about System T and Lean
Bookmarks for Your Favorite Lean Books
Physical books are still a good thing! And Lean books should be paired with Lean bookmarks -- including my books.I created these unique bookmarks for you to use. Tuck one of these two-sided beauties into your books or your boss's Lean books.But these are more than just bookmarks. You can … [Read more...] about Bookmarks for Your Favorite Lean Books
The Worst Lean Advice
Over the decades, Lean has turned into something very messy and confusing. And lots of bad advice is dispensed for organizations that are starting their so-called "Lean journey," such as shown in the image at right. Below are brief explanations why each piece of advice is bad.Don't Copy … [Read more...] about The Worst Lean Advice
Business as a State of Confusion
A hallmark of classical management, rooted in batch-and-queue material and information processing, is the existence of a perpetual state of confusion. That is not a good state to be in. People cannot think clearly when they are confused, and so when confronted with problems they rely on … [Read more...] about Business as a State of Confusion
How Soft Skills Impair Problem-Solving
If you observe carefully, you will notice that the people with the best problem-solving skills tend to have poor social skills, while those with the best social skills tend to be poor problem-solvers. The former are curious and go deep into their analysis of a problem to understand its root causes … [Read more...] about How Soft Skills Impair Problem-Solving