Embracing Lean: A Few Thoughts

I often come across companies that think they operate Lean, but upon closer inspection, whilst they aspire to lean, they do not operate it daily.

Lean is more than just a buzzword in the business world - it's a philosophy, a way of thinking, and a powerful tool for improving efficiency and customer value. But embracing Lean is not always straightforward. It requires a shift in mindset, a willingness to change, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

One of the most significant challenges in adopting Lean is moving beyond using isolated Lean tools and techniques to fundamentally changing how we operate, think, and learn. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the book "The Lean Manager" by Freddy Ballé and Michael Ballé. The book tells the compelling story of a plant manager's journey from traditional management to a Lean leader.

In the book, the protagonist, Andrew Ward, learns that becoming a Lean manager is not just about mastering Lean tools or improving operational efficiency. It's about changing his behaviour as a manager and leader. Instead of giving orders and providing answers, he learns to ask the right questions, helping his team identify and address problems. This shift is crucial in fostering a Lean culture that sustains continuous improvement.

Embracing Lean means creating an environment where every team member is empowered and motivated to solve problems and improve processes. It's about unleashing creativity and fully leveraging the potential of your people, enabling them to learn, grow, and become Lean thinkers themselves.

However, this transformation doesn't happen overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and, most importantly, a commitment to learning and development. As Ward's mentor in the book, Phil Jenkinson, points out, "The only way to become and stay lean is to produce lean managers." This means developing individuals who are not only technically proficient but also have the ownership, initiative, and know-how to solve problems, learn, and ultimately coach new individuals in this discipline.

Embracing Lean is a journey of transformation. It's about moving beyond Lean tools to changing how we operate, think, and learn. It's about developing Lean leaders who can foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning.