Mark’s Note: Today’s post is from Al Norval, with the firm Lean Pathways, Inc. Yokoten isn’t about blindly copying what worked elsewhere–it’s about learning deeply, applying locally, and improving further. In the Lean world, we hear all kinds of Japanese words. Indeed, it seems like a badge of honour to know obscure Japanese words that baffle your fellow teammates. I’d like to highlight one that isn’t mainstream but is critically important –  Yokoten. Yokoten is … Continue reading What Is Yokoten? Why “Copy and Improve” Beats “Copy Exactly”