Article

Why do lean practitioners use so many Japanese terms?

Dear Gemba Coach: Why do we use so many Japanese terms? I guess experts really want employees and students to think about these concepts.  They make…

by Michael Ballé

Article

Is there a spiritual dimension to lean?

Dear Gemba Coach: Is there a spiritual dimension to lean?

by Michael Ballé

Article

Are You Pulling?

Dear Gemba Coach:  We’ve made a substantial effort in training all our operators to standardized work (SW) by deploying Training Within Industry(TWI) principles across all our…

by Michael Ballé

Article

As someone who is new to lean, is there something I’m not being told?

Dear Gemba Coach: I’m new to lean, and I find it fascinating. Is there something I’m not being told? Is there an elephant in the…

by Michael Ballé

Article

What are your three most important problems?

Dear Gemba Coacg: What should I look for during a gemba walk?

by Michael Ballé

Article

Does a Lean Company Need Explicit or Implicit Leadership?

Dear Gemba Coach: Explicit leadership or implicit leadership? Does an explicit style sustain a lean organization?

by Michael Ballé

Article

How Using Kanban Builds Trust

Kanban functions as a trust machine because everyone using it must understand what they have to do and why, says Michael Balle: "Our purpose here…

by Michael Ballé

Article

Thoughts on Digitization, Work, and Continuous Improvement

The opportunities and changes presented by digitization are issues for all lean practitioners not only those in IT. Here are some additional insights from a…

by John Drogosz, PhD

Article

Jumping to Solutions

We are all guilty of one of the greatest sins with lean – not having the patience to really understand the problem we are trying…

by Dan Jones

Article

Thoughts on the Birth of Lean

There is much to be learned from the history of Lean that applies powerfully today in every aspect of the business. In this summary of…

Article

Focus: Process or Results?

"We cannot improve results “directly," writes LEI faculty member Orry Fiume. "It can only be achieved by improving those processes (production, product development, support, etc.)…

by Orest (Orry) Fiume

Article

Ask Art: What Was Danaher Like In the Early Days of Lean?

In this personal account of launching lean at Danaher, Art Byrne shares a wealth of insights into how to seed an enduring lean culture and…

by Art Byrne

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Ask Art: What Role does Human Resources Play in a Lean Turnaround?

Although you shouldn’t expect HR to lead the kaizen effort or set up extensive training programs, there is still plenty for them to do that…

by Art Byrne

Article

Applying Lean Thinking and Practice to Systemic Racism, Part 2 of 2

To create anti-racist organizations to fit, value, and respect all people, leaders should step forward with a sound vision framed by the five principles of…

by Christopher D. Chapman

Article

PDCA Is Really CA-PDCA -- and It’s the CA that Makes the PD Work

Why Grasping the Actual Conditions (firsthand as an automatic practice) at the beginning, during, and after a problem-solving effort is the most important part of…

by David Verble

Article

What is the value to be created here and now?

Karen Gaudet has written Steady Work (!), a wonderful new book about her experience as a regional director of operations for Starbucks Coffee Company.

by Josh Howell

Article

Lessons from Japan: Day Two

A group of lean learners are touring world-class enterprises in Japan; here are postcards capturing their daily lessons gleaned from what they observed.

by Lean Leaper

Article

It's Not All About the Data on Value-Stream Maps: An Interview with Judy Worth

Data is a critical component of value-stream mapping. But it's not the only component you should be concerned about. All too often we find mappers…

Article

Overcoming a Fear Of Failure Culture

Managers and teams can overcome the elements of a fear of failure culture, argues Andrew Quibell. His piece illustrates steps to tackle this important challenge.

by Andrew Quibell

Article

The Difference a Visual Cue Makes

At work and off the clock, visual cues and andons keep us safe and aware of what's going on at all times. How do you…

by Tracey Richardson