Toyota is often cited as the inspiration for Lean, but its success is rooted in leadership behaviors, management systems, and a deep commitment to learning—not tools or slogans. This archive brings together blog posts, podcasts, and reflections on Toyota’s approach to quality, continuous improvement, psychological safety, and respect for people. Many of these posts explore what leaders outside Toyota often misunderstand—and what truly matters if they hope to learn from Toyota rather than copy it.
Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Business Columnists Here is an article about the upcoming Toyota San Antonio plant and its leader, “T.J. Tajima.” Is it unique to have a guy from purchasing in charge of a…
The Roots of Toyota’s Strength – AutoWeek Why is Toyota so successful? AutoWeek answers: “Toyota’s strength does not lie in a single core competency. It rises from a complex, interlocking set of extraordinary skills. These include working closely with suppliers,…
“Toyota’s Globalization Takes Shape through the Camry” The link above the full text of a speech by Gary Convis, who I really admire as a lean leader. Some excerpts: “To be a successful automaker or supplier in today’s competitive world,…
Here is the second LeanBlog Podcast, featuring author and consultant Norman Bodek, President of PCS Press. The first one can be found here and you can visit the main Podcast page, which includes information on how to subscribe via RSS or…
Bloomberg.com: Opinion Powerful stuff, an insight into the Toyota philosphy of continous improvement in the pursuit of perfection. Toyota has been catching heat for an increasing number of recalls and public safety problems. But, rather than making excuses (as many…
Construction Executive Lessons from the Toyota Visit :: Reforming Project Management Great post on the Reforming Project Management blog, notes on a TMMK visit, 23 good points and notes about the Toyota Production System. Here is one that mirrors what…
In the first-ever Lean Blog Podcast, Mark Graban talks with Norm Bodek about quick and easy Kaizen and how it differs from large, event-based improvement efforts. Bodek explains how simple, employee-led improvements–supported by trust, experimentation, and respect for people–can make…
Unless you subscribe to Superfactory, you probably haven’t noticed a nearly raging debate on the true contributions to “lean” and the Toyota Production System by one Dr. Shigeo Shingo. Here’s a little of the storyline. It basically comes down to…
Business Week Online I knew that Toyota didn’t start as a car maker and I knew that they had the business ventures for manufactured homes and products for Japan’s aging population, but this article provides an in-depth overview of all…
WOAI: San Antonio News – Toyota Countdown: Landing a Job at Toyota Here’s a story about hiring at the Toyota San Antonio plant. There are far more applicants than jobs available, so Toyota can be selective in its hiring. The…
Today’s Detroit News wrote about lean in healthcare, this time in their own beloved University of Michigan system. Titled “U-M Hospital Takes Page from Toyota,” it starts out with a flaw, stating: “U-M is one of the first medical centers…
I received this email and I’m publishing it here with the permission of the anonymous author: In May, the TMMI Toyota Plant in Princeton, IN held an open house for family and friends of employees to come in and tour…
