Lean Management Archives - Page 12 of 17

Dealing with Concrete Heads 0
- Lean Management
- April 22, 2015
The term “concrete head’ is the result of a Japanese translation. A concrete head is someone who is resistant to the changes that Lean brings. Obviously this is a derogatory term. I like the image for someone who doesn’t want to get it. But remember concrete takes a while to set-up. Don’t give up too
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Lean Leaders Focus on Development 0
- Leadership, Lean Management
- March 30, 2015
Successful leaders understand the difference between things and people in an organization. They know that it’s important to manage things, but that it’s even more important to lead people. Leaders don’t just mouth empty phrases like “people are our greatest resource;” they demonstrate by their actions that people – not strategy, products, plans, processes, or
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The Lean Journey is a Climb not a Stroll 0
- Lean Basics, Lean Definition, Lean Management
- March 23, 2015
Photo Source: http://www.chriscastaldo.com/2010/12/28/the-way-to-godliness/ Lean Thinking is often described as a “journey, not a destination”. In many regards this is true since the best Lean companies have found that their improvement efforts never end. Each set of improvements result in improved bottom-line results but also exposes more opportunity. This journey toward dramatically improved business performance shares three
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5 Ways Leaders Can Instill New Habits For Employees And Themselves 0
- Leadership, Lean Management
- March 11, 2015
When it comes to habits David Mann tells the story of Smokey the Bear’s campfire rules. Douse the fire with water, stir the coals and turn them over, then douse again. Not following the rules of Smokey the Bear you risk the fire restarting itself from the live embers that remain. Cultural habits are very
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Fat Attitudes Add No Value 0
- Lean Management
- February 9, 2015
My friend and fellow Lean thinker Bob Emiliani coined the term “fat” behavior after those behaviors that aren’t consistent with Lean thinking. Our behaviors lead us to create the systems we consciously or unconsciously use at work, and our systems help shape and reinforce the culture that is in place. Our culture is the foundation for our daily
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Ten Tips for Starting the New Year “Lean”0
- Lean Management
- January 5, 2015
It’s that time of year again when many are making personal resolutions for change. For most managers the beginning of New Year means establishing a new set of objectives. This is a good time to reflect on your progress over the past year and plan how you want improve in the coming year. Today’s leaders
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