When we think of Lean management, we probably do not think of it in evolutionary terms. But we should for two reasons. First, evolution takes a prominent place in the thinking of Toyota production system and Toyota's overall management system -- the need to evolve in response to the reality of … [Read more...] about Lean — Survival or Decline
Guide to Books
Here is a guide to my books. It will help you understand the range of tiles and subject matter. Go to the books page and click on the book covers to learn more about each book. Leadership Reimagined Why Leaders Reject Lean Management Lean … [Read more...] about Guide to Books
Are Lean People Stupid?
No, not stupid, but certainly blind to how their rhetoric is interpreted by those whom they wish to influence most -- CEOs. We have all done it. I as well as most others, people you know and don't know. Frederick Winslow Taylor did it. Taiichi Ohno did it. Our beloved and iconic Lean CEO, Art Byrne, … [Read more...] about Are Lean People Stupid?
Move Over Lean!
COVID-19 is having a remarkable impact on business -- not in terms of shutting businesses down, but what business leaders are doing to adapt and survive. A principal strategy is to shift to various forms of e-commerce to deliver the goods and services that people need. The "process improvement … [Read more...] about Move Over Lean!
The Back Story – Improvement
This is the back story to the book Improvement. Improvement is the fourth and final book in the series The Triumph of Classical Management Over Lean Management (2018), Irrational Institutions (2020), and Management Mysterium (2020). It adds to this body of work by examining the principal … [Read more...] about The Back Story – Improvement
Energizing the Lean Movement
In America and elsewhere, many people look to the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) and its global network for leadership in the long fight to advance Lean management. People look to these organizations for new ideas and as inspiration to carry forward progressive management and progressive … [Read more...] about Energizing the Lean Movement
Lean Anguish
Lately I've been speaking to many people from around the world about Lean leadership and Lean management. The conversations were very interesting and I have learned a lot. A common theme was that people are frustrated in their efforts to advance Lean in their organization. Some are doing well … [Read more...] about Lean Anguish
Lean and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a lot of business leaders to re-think many things, from paid sick leave to health insurance for all to the shortening of supply lines reducing dependence on globalized supply and the wisdom of spending cash on share buy-backs. One thing is for sure, all of this will … [Read more...] about Lean and COVID-19
Management IQ
Anyone who has studied the history of management practice since the late 1800s eventually comes to realize that despite all the effort to advance the practice of management, surprisingly little has come of it. Even if you have no knowledge of the history of management but have worked in … [Read more...] about Management IQ