Mulally: Visit to Toyota wasn't overture to competitor
I don't disagree, but isn't it a bit shocking to hear this from the head of Ford? It sure helps that CEO Mulally comes from outside the industry, eh?
“…the former Boeing executive told reporters last night that Toyota's production system is the world's best — and he made the trip to Tokyo so he could “study with the master.”
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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. His latest book is Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More. He is author of the Shingo Award-winning books Lean Hospitals and Healthcare Kaizen, as well as The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen. He also published 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.
Wow, Although I applaud this on his part & really admire him, part of me wonders how long he will last at Ford. One thing I do know is that leadership that has never worked anywhere else & has a lot of brand/loyalty to one company will not be very receptive to his comment of ‘seeing the worlds best’. It has been my experience the insiders only have a mirrored look at the world, when they think of the best they look in the mirror.
You’re right, Mulally might be “correct”, but is he being “politically correct” for the Ford environment?