Path dependence means that what happened in the past is likely to persist in the future because of resistance to change. The sources of resistance to change usually boils down to doing what is best for an organization or its leaders, and could be financial, to assure continuity with past decisions, … [Read more...] about Lean’s Tragic Path Dependence
How Lean Induces Debilitating Cognitive Dissonance
A common scenario goes like this: Salaried professionals somehow become aware of Lean management. They learn more about it and soon begin to see it as a much better way to lead and manage an organization. Seeing this great opportunity, they become strong advocates for Lean within their organization. … [Read more...] about How Lean Induces Debilitating Cognitive Dissonance
The Enemy of Lean is Classical Management
This page summarizes the research that I have been engaged in since 2007 to unravel the most important question that we have all had for many years: Why do leaders resist or reject Lean management? Read the three books in the order shown above, staring with The Triumph of Classical Management … [Read more...] about The Enemy of Lean is Classical Management
What Comes After Lean?
One of the foundations of Lean management is to think -- to be a Lean thinker. That means more than thinking only about Lean and how great Lean is. It means thinking about evolving and adapting to changing times based on needs. It means changing Lean and building upon Lean if the need exists, … [Read more...] about What Comes After Lean?
In Praise of Experts
People who have deep knowledge of TPS (or Lean) typically claim they are not experts due to the vastness of problems and possible solutions. There is a solid rationale for this view. But the reality is they are experts compared to others who have far less knowledge and experience. I would rather … [Read more...] about In Praise of Experts
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 Got a Bad Start
When the public first became aware of Lean production in 1988, and Toyota's production system in the early 1970s, a small army of people leaped into action to do two things: 1) study TPS and Lean and 2) convince business leaders they should adopt Lean. That sounds like a reasonable plan. It was the … [Read more...] about Lean Got a Bad Start
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