If Business Is Simple, Why Do So Many Companies Struggle?
- Lean Management
- September 23, 2026

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
READ MOREPhoto 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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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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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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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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On A Lean Journey’s Facebook page this past week we have been discussing the largest roadblock to Lean implementation. Overwhelming the response has been management. In my experience I have learned that the single most important element for success in Lean is the human element. First and foremost Lean managers have the critical role of
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