Phase 3, Starting the Journey, is where the effort to build a better business management system really starts in earnest.

Pounding people over the head with Lean concepts doesn't work. Instead, try to create demand for what Lean offers. This video article covers three different ways to get people wanting Lean...without even knowing it.

Lean works in small businesses, but takes some special effort. Learn more in this video.

Over the last several years, there has been a rise in specialized branches of Lean. I answer why in this short FAQ video.

Study Lean for any length of time, and you will come across an abundance of Japanese terms. I answer why that is in this short FAQ video.

The 1/3, 2/3 rule is a rule of thumb for planning. It is intended to make sure a leader gives her team enough time to complete their work.
It is a Video Term from Phase 3 (Starting the Journey) of our Continuous Improvement Development System.

People on continuous improvement project teams have constant pressure on them to leave the team to go take care of things in their day to day job. This rule of thumb can help them decide when to leave.

Service organizations are gaining an ever-increasing role in the global economy. On top of that, increased productivity and global competition has reduced the percentage of shop floor employees and increased those in administrative roles in companies that manufacture physical products. The Lean o...

This recorded webinar gives several ideas on how to build a continuous improvement culture. Features Jeff Hajek and Tim McMahon.

This is an audio article. It is based on an article from our Continuous Improvement Companion reference guide. No video content accompanies this audio program.

Offenses and defenses are generally ranked based on points scored and points allowed. The problem is, that doesn't account for different conditions faced by each squad.You'll face similar problems when creating metrics for Lean operation.

As a leader in a Lean organization, there is a lot of pressure on you to hit your metrics. It can take a lot of moral fortitude to choose the harder right over the easier wrong.

What are "problems", and why are they so hard to solve? Learning the barriers to problems is the first step in tearing them down so you can solve them better.

What are "problems", and why are they so hard to solve? Learning the barriers to problems is the first step in tearing them down so you can solve them better.

While all problems are unique, they fall into a handful of general categories. Knowing about these categories helps you approach the problem in a more effective manner.

While all problems are unique, they fall into a handful of general categories. Knowing about these categories helps you approach the problem in a more effective manner.

5W1H is shorthand for “Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.” It is used both in problem solving and in project planning.

Tracking metrics is an important part of Lean. Overdoing it, though, can cause bigger problems. Learn more about KPIs in this FAQ video.