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
Why Business Leaders Vote “No” for Lean
Every Lean promoter and advocate knows that the adoption of Lean management is in business leaders’ interests, not against their interests. The interests encompass that of the business itself and all its stakeholders: employees (executive and non-executive), suppliers, customers, investors, … [Read more...] about Why Business Leaders Vote “No” for Lean
My Contributions to Lean
Below is a summary of my significant original contributions to the body of Lean knowledge as author or co-author. My primary focus has been Lean leadership and Lean management, as well as Lean in higher education, Lean in supply chain management, and the history of progressive management. It … [Read more...] about My Contributions to Lean
Book Review: THE LEAN STRATEGY
In the 30 years since the term "lean" was introduced as an interpretation of the Toyota production system, great efforts have been made by many people to gain the interest of CEOs due to the widespread recognition that Lean must be led from the top. While there have been some notable successes in … [Read more...] about Book Review: THE LEAN STRATEGY
How Would You Answer These Questions?
What standard do you hold yourself to when someone asks you questions about Lean management or Toyota management? The standard could vary as widely for a person as it can from person-to-person. There are at least eight possible standards to choose from: Say "I don't know" Guess at the … [Read more...] about How Would You Answer These Questions?