Lean Quote: Yokoten – Sharing to Multiply Success

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"An improvement isn’t complete until it is shared."   —  Ryan Tierney

In Lean, Yokoten means sharing improvements and best practices “across everywhere” so others can benefit. At Toyota, this isn’t just copying—it’s going, seeing, learning, and then adapting ideas to fit your own environment.

When you improve something but keep it to yourself, the benefit stops with you. Sharing multiplies the value. Like planting seeds from one healthy tree into many places, Yokoten spreads good ideas so they take root in different situations, each growing in its own way.

Most organizations have untapped knowledge. Yokoten turns that knowledge into an organizational asset, not just an individual one. It requires effort on both sides—those who have the knowledge must share it, and those who receive it must be willing to learn and adapt.

Why it matters:

• Prevents valuable lessons from being lost.
• Helps others avoid mistakes you’ve already solved.
• Speeds up improvement across the company.
• Sparks new ideas and innovation.

How to put Yokoten into action:

• Leaders: Visit teams, recognize great work, and require others to “go see.”
• Managers: Showcase successful projects and invite peers to learn.
• Teams: Study examples from others and adapt them for your own work.
• Everyone: Add “share your improvement” to your checklist.

An improvement that isn’t shared is only half-finished. In a Lean culture, success isn’t just making something better—it’s helping others make it better too.

Lean Quote: Closing the Knowing–Doing Gap

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"The greatest gap in the world is the gap between knowing and doing."   —  John C. Maxwell

Many organizations are full of smart people who know exactly what should be done—yet, somehow, it doesn’t get done. This gap between knowledge and action costs time, opportunities, and momentum.

Managers often see valuable opportunities, but hesitation, over-analysis, or fear of mistakes prevents them from starting. Even when they do start, the first obstacle can stop progress cold. The inability to take purposeful action is widespread, and crucial issues requiring reflection, planning, creativity, and consistent effort often get postponed indefinitely.

If you do nothing, nothing changes. Inertia is powerful—things at rest tend to stay at rest. And while it’s natural to want the perfect plan before taking action, perfection is the enemy of momentum. A 50% improvement implemented today beats a theoretical 100% improvement that never leaves the whiteboard.

The only cure for inactivity is action. The first step in building a culture of execution is creating a bias toward action—making “do something now” the default.

How to Reduce the Gap Between Knowing and Doing

1. Start Small, Start Now
• Break large goals into quick, low-risk actions you can take immediately.
• Example: Instead of analyzing a process problem for weeks, run a quick trial solution on one workstation.
2. Make It Safe to Try—and Fail
• Reward initiative, not just outcomes.
• Treat mistakes as learning investments, not career-limiting moves.
3. Set Short Feedback Loops
• Replace long, drawn-out project cycles with rapid check-ins and adjustments.
• Quick learning cycles make it easier to see progress and maintain momentum.
4. Measure Action, Not Just Ideas
• Track “execution metrics” like number of experiments run, pilot projects launched, or issues resolved—not just meetings held or plans made.
5. Recognize and Celebrate Movers
• Publicly acknowledge employees who move projects forward, even in small ways.
• Stories of action create peer pressure to act.
6. Simplify the First Step
• Remove unnecessary approvals, overly complex templates, or ambiguous ownership that slow down action.
7. Model It From the Top
• Leaders must be the first to move from idea to test. When the team sees action modeled at the top, it becomes part of the culture.

By reducing the friction between knowing and doing, you create an environment where action is the norm, hesitation is the exception, and learning comes from trying. The knowing–doing gap doesn’t close by thinking harder—it closes by acting sooner.

Lean Quote: Making Doing the Right Things Easy

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Create an environment where doing the right thing is as easy as possible."   —  James Clear

On the shop floor, every shift is a mix of moving parts—machines, people, schedules, and unexpected problems. It’s tempting to push harder and faster. But if we’re not focused on the right work, speed won’t help. It’s like running full speed in the wrong direction.

Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

• Efficiency = Doing things right (tightening bolts quickly).
• Effectiveness = Doing the right things (tightening the bolts that keep the product safe).

Both matter—but effectiveness comes first. Leadership’s role is to make sure every operator knows exactly what the “right things” are, and that it’s the easy choice to do them.

On the Shop Floor, “Easy” Means:

• The correct tool is within arm’s reach—no hunting for it.
• The standard work instructions are right where you need them, clear and visual.
• Quality checks are built into the process, not tacked on at the end.
• Communication flows quickly from leadership to operators and back again.

Why It Matters
If the environment makes the right action harder than the shortcut, people will take the shortcut. That’s not a training problem—it’s a design problem. Leaders create the system; the system shapes behavior.

From Crisis Mode to Control Mode
When we live in crisis management—jumping from fire to fire—quality drops, deadlines slip, and stress spikes.
When we shift to a proactive mode:

1. Plan first – Identify the top 20% of activities that give 80% of the results.
2. Communicate clearly – Everyone knows the day’s priorities before machines start running.
3. Make it visible – Use boards, signals, and metrics so progress is obvious.
4. Track and adjust – Review results at the end of shift and fix roadblocks fast.

The Leadership Connection
Leaders aren’t just decision-makers—they’re environment designers. Every barrier removed, every visual cue added, every tool placed correctly is leadership in action. When the right thing is the path of least resistance, people do it naturally.

Bottom Line
High-payoff activities drive focus. Focus drives performance. Performance drives results. And the fastest way to improve all three is to design a workplace where doing the right thing is the easiest thing.

Lean Quote: Present Circumstances Merely Determine Where to Start

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."   —  Nido Qubein

In both our personal and professional journeys, we will inevitably face setbacks that threaten to impede our progress. Qubein’s insight invites us to recognize these challenges not as barriers, but as the starting line of a new path forward powered by resilience and growth.

By embracing this philosophy, we can transform difficulties into opportunities to learn, evolve and ultimately ascend to new heights. Let’s explore key takeaways from Qubein’s wisdom and how shifting perspective allows us to harness adversity on the road to achievement.

Try the following five strategies to not only overcome adversity but actually go on to thrive.

Acknowledge the circumstances: The way to get out the other end of challenges with more ease and our self-esteem intact is to acknowledge and take ownership of the reality of the situation we find ourselves in. Doing enables us to confront adversity head-on and go on to work through effective solutions that might or might not entail asking for help.

Shift our perspective: Adopting a positive mindset will make a world of difference to the way we come through tough times. Taking the perspective of tackling adversity head-on can be a catalyst for personal development. In this way setbacks carry within them an opportunity to shore up future success.

Manage our emotions: Emotions like frustration, anger, fear, and sadness are likely to rear their heads when we’re faced with adversity. It’s important to note that managing our emotions has nothing to do with denial. What it’s about is acknowledging them while not allowing them to consume us. This is important because being in an emotionally balanced state enables us to make rational decisions to get out of the difficult circumstances we find ourself in.

Develop a Resilient Mindset: Resilience is like a muscle in the sense that the more we exercise our ability to bounce back from adversity, the more resilient we will become. Seeing setbacks and failures as steppingstones to success, rather than being a blight on our reputation clears the way for us to approach challenges as opportunities to learn, adapt, and become stronger in the process of getting on with our life no matter what challenges come up from time to time.

Focus on Solutions and Take Action: Spending a lot more time seeking solutions than dwelling on problems is the way to get ahead in life. It’s about analyzing the situation, identifying potential options, and developing an action plan. Taking this approach empowers us to regain control of our life. It will also reinforce our ability to overcome adversity moving forward.

The key is to reflect on all of the experiences life throws up, and take the time to identify the insights and wisdom that comes out of the challenging experiences in particular. Then consider how we might apply what we’ve learnt in future to avoid similar problems or to navigate them more effectively.

Lean Quote: If You Want to Be Interesting, You Have to Be Interested

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"You have to be interested. If you’re not interested, you can’t be interesting."   —  Iris Apfel

I think the quote works on two levels. When you become more interested in other people—actively listening to them and engaging with them—they’ll see you as more interesting.

This saying highlights a fundamental principle of social interaction: genuine curiosity about others is more appealing than trying to be the center of attention. By actively listening and showing interest in what others have to say, you create a more engaging and positive experience for everyone involved, ultimately making you more likable and memorable.

Try these easy techniques to be more interested:

Focus on Others

When you're genuinely interested in others, you shift the focus away from yourself and onto them. This makes them feel valued and heard, which is a powerful way to build rapport and create connections.

Active Listening

Being interested involves actively listening to what others say, asking follow-up questions, and showing that you're engaged in the conversation. This demonstrates attentiveness and thoughtfulness.

Positive Feedback Loop

When you show interest in others, they are more likely to reciprocate and become interested in you. This creates a positive feedback loop where both parties feel valued and engaged.

Learning and Growth

Being interested also allows you to learn from others, expand your knowledge, and gain new perspectives. This continuous learning makes you more interesting in the long run.

Building Stronger Relationships

When you prioritize genuine interest over self-promotion, you build stronger and more meaningful relationships with others. This is because people are drawn to those who make them feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

In essence, the quote encourages us to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and empathy, which leads to more engaging and rewarding social interactions.

Lean Quote: Act the Way You’d Like to Be and Soon You’ll be the Way You Act

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act."   —  Bob Dylan

The saying, “Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act,” encapsulates the idea that our actions have a profound impact on shaping our identity and character. It implies that by consciously choosing to behave in a certain manner, we can gradually transform ourselves into the person we aspire to become. This concept holds great significance as it emphasizes the power of our actions in shaping our lives.

Let’s try to explore the meaning behind this statement and delve into how acting in alignment with our desired self can lead to personal growth and positive transformation.

The Power of Intention

Setting intentions involves clearly defining your purpose and consciously committing to a desired outcome. It's more than just setting a goal; it's about aligning your thoughts and actions with your deepest values and aspirations. Research suggests that setting specific, challenging, and achievable goals, driven by clear intentions, increases motivation and performance. Visualization, mentally picturing yourself successfully achieving your goals, works in tandem with intention to reinforce your commitment and create a clear mental image of your desired outcome.

The Role of Consistency

Consistency is the cornerstone of success and self-improvement. It involves showing up and putting in consistent effort over time, even when immediate results aren't apparent. Small, consistent steps build momentum and reinforce positive behaviors, making them easier to maintain and leading to positive outcomes. Consistency helps establish habits, improves performance, enhances focus, and builds confidence. Regularly tracking progress and celebrating small wins along the way can help maintain momentum and reinforce motivation.

The Influence of Environment

Your environment plays a profound role in shaping your thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes. The physical spaces you inhabit, your social circles, the media you consume, and even the cultural and economic contexts you experience all contribute to your mindset and personal growth.

While you may not be able to control every aspect of your environment, you can make conscious choices to shape it in ways that foster your personal growth. This includes curating your media consumption, building positive social circles, investing in education, and improving your physical spaces.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world that can hinder your personal and professional growth. These beliefs often stem from past experiences or criticisms and can manifest as excuses that prevent individuals from embracing motivation and a growth mindset.

Acting the way we’d like to be not only impacts our own personal growth but also has a ripple effect on those around us. Our actions can inspire and influence others, creating a positive chain reaction. When we act in alignment with our desired self, we become a living example of the change we want to see in the world. Others may be inspired by our actions and strive to emulate them, leading to a collective transformation.

By consciously aligning our behavior with our desired self, we can shape our identity, overcome limiting beliefs, and inspire positive change in ourselves and others. It emphasizes the importance of intention, consistency, and surrounding ourselves with the right environment. Ultimately, this approach allows us to evolve into the best version of ourselves and create a life that reflects our true aspirations.

Lean Quote: The Impact of Self-Respect on Your Life

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves – there lies the great, singular power of self-respect."   —  Joan Didion

You’ve probably heard of the Golden Rule: Treat others as you want others to treat you, or some variation thereof. It is a rule that makes sense and needs little explanation. Of course, we should treat others with the respect and kindness that we would want from others. So why is it so difficult to apply that rule the other way and treat ourselves with the love and respect that we give others?

Self-respect is applying the golden rule to yourself. It is to treat yourself in a way that you treat others. It is to respect, love, protect, and care for yourself each and every day. It is to let go of judgment and criticism and replace it with patience and gratitude.

There are some strategies that can help you improve your sense of self-respect:

• Identify your values: Start by understanding yourself. Imagine suddenly losing everything you own and being left with nothing but yourself. Ask yourself: “What is important to me? What are my values? Why do I settle for less? What could remind me of my value?”
• Keep the focus on internal qualities: Be mindful that you may get caught up in thinking that your worth as a person is due to external factors like your net worth, position, looks, possessions, or the number of followers you have on social media. Self-respect however, is about internal qualities like your character, morals, values, and actions.
• Work on accepting yourself: Start to pay attention to your thought patterns without getting caught up in them. Concentrate on self-acceptance and let go of your harsh internal critic. Commit to forgiving yourself and accepting your flaws, bad habits, and all the things you don't like about yourself.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Pay attention to how your negative thought patterns affect your actions. Identify your triggers for negative thoughts and rationalize them. For instance, if a negative experience or lack of specific skills causes you to automatically call yourself unworthy, it can be helpful to recognize this thought process and challenge it: “Even if I’m not great at singing, I am still worthy of love and respect.”
• Don’t give in to self-doubt: Focus on loosening the grip of self-doubt. Nobody can make you feel unworthy of respect unless you permit them to do so. Develop a kinship with yourself and understand your strengths and values. Remind yourself that just as we have a moral obligation to respect others, we also have a moral obligation to respect ourselves.

In order to develop self-respect, you have to act on it. You show others how you want to be treated by your actions and words. Show them that you are valuable by speaking up and setting strong boundaries.