Article

Back to Basics: John Shook on the Role of Questions in Coaching

In this throwback to the classic John Shook eletter "Coaching and Questions; Questions and Coaching," we learn the impacts of asking coachees the right questions,…

by John Shook

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

Podcast

Putting Passion on Your Dashboard

Understanding what customers value requires more than a marketing approach, says Dave Pericak, explaining how he learned about customer value from the Mustang owners who

by Lean Leaper

Article

A Lean "Teachable Moment": Starbucks in The Wall Street Journal

John Shook discusses recent news about Starbucks and lean.

by John Shook

Article

4Ps Prove Lean Applies Everywhere

Trainer Tracey Richardson explains how four deep principles reveal how lean thinking applies to any organization. 

Article

How Do the Problems of Continuous Improvement Professionals Differ from Those of Line Managers

Dear Gemba Coach: How do the lean-related problems or responsibilities of ci professionals differ from those of line managers or business unit managers?

by Michael Ballé

Video

Art of Lean on Problem-Solving, Part 8: Toyota Coaching Practices

Art describes some of the fundamental principles of Toyota coaching practices.

by Art Smalley

Video

How to Launch Great Products Your Customers Will Love

A product director describes how her team increased its new-product adoption rate from 25% to 81% in three years.

by Lean Leaper

Article

Leveraging AI to Transform Conference Documentation: An Experiment in AI-Assisted Proceedings Generation

This article is the fifth in a series exploring the key insights and discussions from the recent Future of People at Work Symposium, a groundbreaking…

Article

Generating Multiple Alternatives is Not Necessarily Waste

I was once asked: 'How is set-based design lean? Isnít designing multiple alternatives creating waste and the opposite of lean?'î writes Katrina Appell. It's true…

by Katrina Appell, PhD

Article

Lean Production Begins with LPPD

To create a "turbo-charged product-creating machine, start by designing clear processes with useful tools and a “people first” culture--which form a socio-technical system underpinned by…

by John Shook

Article

How Purpose Shapes Culture

The author of Joy, Inc. reflects on the struggles and rewards of building a leadership culture that elevates human energy.

by Richard Sheridan

Article

Ask Art: Is “We are customer-driven” a good lean strategy?

Art Byrne is often asked if "customer-driven" is a good lean strategy. The answer is yes - as long as it's done right. Read more.

by Art Byrne

Article

Why Coaching is the Hardest Job I've Ever Had

"In 2011 a new term entered my company... we went 'lean'," writes Kasey Corbishley. "The office buzzed with anxiety as whiteboards were erected, and the…

by Kasey Corbishley

Article

The Angry Team Member and the Changing Organization

Toyota veteran and lean coach Lesa Nichols reflects on one of the most challenging and ultimately rewarding conversations she had with a team member.

by Lesa Nichols

Article

The Human Element of TWI (Training Within Industry)

"When I’ve taught the TWI courses in countries all over the world, from India to Malaysia to Mexico to Germany, everyone understands and embraces these…

by Patrick Graupp

Article

And Now For Something Completely...Lean

Lean practice is no joke, argues Brent Wahba. And yet he draws lessons from great comedy to help address this key challenge: What is your…

by Brent Wahba

Article

Bringing Respect for People to the World's Sweatshops

Jim Womack weighs in on how we might use lean thinking and practice to tackle the ongoing, systemic problem of sweatshop labor.

by James (Jim) Womack, PhD

Article

Eiji Toyoda and Management Muda

Enthusiasts know how tremendously influential Eiji Toyoda has been to the development of Toyota and its revolutionary management system. Perhaps his story will never be…

by John Shook

Article

Is there such a thing as lean manufacturing engineering?

Dear Gemba Coach: I keep reading about lean engineering and lean design. Is there lean manufacturing engineering?

by Michael Ballé