3.21.2013

Sustaining Lean = Long-Term Leadership

Just this month, Robert B. Camp published a new book titled Sustainable Lean: The Story of a Cultural Transformation, and I talked to him about some of the topics addressed in the book. Most Lean initiatives begin with noble intentions but often plateau or fail to maintain the gains. It’s commonly known among consulting circles that 80% to 85% of all first-time attempts at a Lean transformation fail, and I asked Robert: Why does this occur? Here is his complete answer:

Lean comes from a culture, originally developed at Toyota, that understands that plotting a strategy requires taking the “Long View” -- looking for the best long-term solution, irrespective of what might be best in the short-term.

Making a decision to launch a Lean transformation is a strategic decision. It is a life-changing transformation, the equivalent of leaving the doctor’s office with the emphatic “lose weight or die.” You can’t perform a Kaizen event or two, any more than you can lose a pound or two, and declare victory. Making the decision to embark on a Lean transformation is making the decision to change life habits, and not just on the shop floor.

What most leaders don’t understand (and, frankly, most transformation experts are afraid to tell them) is that for Lean to work, leaders have to change. Leading Lean is not achieved by hiring a well-known consultancy or appointing a Continuous Improvement Coach -- It is achieved by effective leadership from the top.

Leading Lean means learning about the philosophies of Lean and the tools that issue from them. It means changing the way in which processes are measured and goals achieved. It means being transparent and living the life before you ask others to. It means holding everyone in the organization accountable for achieving expectations. It means a lot of mentoring and coaching and going to see for yourself.

Mostly, leading Lean is about a personal commitment to change.

What do you think of Robert's ideas? Have any of you been involved in a Lean transformation that has stalled or failed because key champions have left the company or the emphasis was solely on tools?

21 comments:

help with sociology dissertation said...

It is superior to be examining your post "Sustaining Lean = Long-Term Leadership" , and who besides will examine it he will absolutely get a lot of supplementary.

www.researchpaperstar.net said...

Your audience can definitely tell if your content comes from an authentic passion for the topic or if you are simply “phoning it in.” Thanks for sharing!

http://master-essays.com said...

Great post! Thanks for information.

http://researchpaperstar.net/ said...

Very interesting for me, thanks!

customresearchpaper.net said...

Thanks for this Very useful info You Have Provided us. I appreciate your article, big thank you for your sharing, and I too share your opinion completely … its really excellent post.

http://realessay.com/ said...

Your articles are always interesting and understandable. Thank you!!

dissertationtoday said...

WOW111 Thanks for info:0

toptermpapers.org said...

Great post. No doubt video is a great source of marketing. Good. I agree with you . I also make a lot of blog video.

buyresearchpaper said...

I enjoyed the information lot. Thanks for sharing this information.

essay-helper.com said...

I just love the gift card cut file! So many occasions to use it for! That bow is fabulous!

academia-research said...

Thanks for this!!!

bestresearchpaper said...

Your blog is one of my favorite!!! Please keep working on the same way!!!

http://essayshelpers.co.uk/ said...

keep up a good work!

Unknown said...

First of all thanks for the post. Really it is awesome post. I do like your hard workings and appreciate your concept. I can refer you another site where one can get huge assistances concerning education. To learn moiré, please click here. Thanks……

Unknown said...

Oh! Fabulous post. Truly this site is exceptionally geared up to lend a hand for all regarding this. I got scarcely any imperative helps from here and dreadfully recommended it. Absolutely I will be recognizable with my relatives and relevant competitors concerning this blog and will linger for more. Thanks a lot…….zebra skin

Auto submit said...

This is a very good post.I really like this sentence and agree with it that"Lean comes from a culture".

pokies australia said...

very interesting. as always))

www.writemypapers.org said...

Thanks a lot! Your article is pretty good. I like it

wartrol said...

Hello to every body, it's my first pay a quick visit of this website; this web site includes remarkable and actually fine data designed for readers.

Unknown said...

I am able to view that you just are placing the a Aaron C. Meyer lot of initiatives in your blog site. Hold posting the nice function. Several definitely helpful information in there. Book-marked. Wonderful to determine your web site. Cheers

http://www.atautomotivellc.com |

http://www.bestweddingphotography.co.uk |

http://www.businessplancomplete.com |

http://www.claims-id.co.uk |

http://www.csautostore.com |

http://www.eatbigorgohome.com |

http://www.fineartsprints.co.uk |

http://www.harbor-realestate.com |

http://www.intelligentformulation.co.uk |

http://www.legallisted.com |

wertu said...

ng your post "Sustaining Lean = Long-Term Leadership" , and who besides will examine it he will absolutely get a lot of


Diabetes Protocol review
Reviews
http://topproductreviews.co/blog/venus-factor-review/
buy Dibetes Miracle Cure