Mark Graban recently wrote a blog post that reflects the current thinking of many Lean movement leaders and influences: "It’s Hard to Ask Leaders to Change the System in Which They’ve Risen and Excelled." The "system" in question is the management system and culture of the company or companies that … [Read more...] about Narrow Thinking, Narrow Results
Wanting to Know, Preferring to Ignore
Those of us who are fans of Toyota's management system (TMS) and Lean management (LM) are a curious bunch. We want to learn as much as we can as fast as possible. We want to know the details of TMS and LM and how to make them work in ways that fulfill our understanding and our expectations. We are … [Read more...] about Wanting to Know, Preferring to Ignore
The Back Story – Irrational Institutions
This is the back story to the book Irrational Institutions. Irrational Institutions is a follow-on to my popular 2018 book, The Triumph of Classical Management Over Lean Management, which meticulously examined the problem of why leaders resist or reject Lean management. It succeeded at … [Read more...] about The Back Story – Irrational Institutions
The Yin and Yang of Management
Sometimes people ask me: "Do you assign books that you have written to students taking courses you teach?" The answer is no, until this past Fall semester. For the last several years the assigned reading for my graduate Lean Leadership course was The Lean Turnaround by Art Byrne and The Toyota … [Read more...] about The Yin and Yang of Management
How Many Genbas are There?
Top company leaders are Genba 1. Dr. Emiliani's interest has long been Genba1. Click on image to enlarge. When the world became aware of Toyota's production system in the mid-1970s, there was one genba -- the shop floor. I call this Genba 3. When Lean arrived in 1988, there remained just one … [Read more...] about How Many Genbas are There?
Four Types of Lean People
People who identify with Lean management or the Lean movement tend to be dedicated and very passionate, which generates a lot of arguments about right and wrongs ways to think and do things. Most of it has to do with how people understand the fundamental truths (principles) and how and when to use … [Read more...] about Four Types of Lean People
Lean Leaders Impede the Advancement of Lean
In a recent post, "Ask Art: Where Will the Biggest Resistance to Lean Come From?," Art Byrne accurately explains the people and parts of the organization that will resist Lean transformation based on his extensive experience. Art also offers some suggestions on how to overcome the resistance, the … [Read more...] about Lean Leaders Impede the Advancement of Lean
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
Promotion of Lean Must Evolve
Who doesn't admire Art Byrne, Orry Fiume, and the other members of the Wiremold senior management team? I've known Art and Orry for many years and continue to be captivated by their accomplishments and that of the entire Wiremold workforce. The Wiremold Company's transformation remains a classic … [Read more...] about Promotion of Lean Must Evolve