TPS – Lean Manufacturing and Process Improvements: Lean Articles
An intriguing set of articles about being effective lean leaders, especially when you've been managing for years in a non-lean system. The article starts with the blunt assessment: “Whatever your company looks like right now it is very likely your fault.”
Another line says: “If you have bullied your staff into obedience you are in trouble. Lean empowers people and with management's blessing, enables them to do what needs doing.”
When I was at GM, our Plant Superintendent (at an Engine plant) said (I remember this vividly): “You need to beat down, beat down, beat down on people until they do exactly what they are told.”
Needless to say, that set up the new NUMMI-trained Plant Manager for quite a challenge. I still don't understand why the new PM let that “concrete head” stay around. Anyway, check out the article and chime in with your comments if you like.
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Mark Graban
Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, author, and professional speaker who has worked in healthcare, manufacturing, and startups. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. His most recent book is the anthology Practicing Lean that benefits the Louise H. Batz Patient Safety Foundation, where Mark is a board member. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus. His latest book has been released as an "in-progress" book, titled Measures of Success.