Lean veteran Gary Convis explains how the A3 report serves as a flexible tool that develops leaders and aligns important goals across plants, divisions, and even countries. 

Lean Thinker Jerry Bussell discusses his presentation at the March 7-8, 2012, Lean Transformation Summit and his ambitious hoshin to make his hometown of Jacksonville, FL, the center of lean thinking in North America by spreading lean concepts to business, industry, and government.

Dear Gemba Coach,

We’ve made good progress on quality with Six Sigma, but we’ve reached a plateau. I’ve met a lean consultant who tells me I should spend more time on the shop floor, but I fail to see how it would improve quality?

I wish I knew more about learning. I know quite a lot, just not nearly enough. Like you, I’ve been educated – hopefully even learning throughout that process – for many (too many?) years. I’ve – again hopefully – continued to learn outside of formal “education” throughout my life, as have you, in work and personal life.

In this excerpt from The Toyota Way to Lean Leadership, authors Jeff Liker and Gary Convis share a story of how Gary learned the value of A3 leadership during his time at NUMMI. 

Dear Gemba Coach

Which is best for a lean environment, a U-shaped cell or assembly line? Why?

Washington State’s lean-in-government effort draws both praise and criticism.

A news release by AxisPointe, a quality assurance provider serving home builders, explains how hard-hit builders can use lean principles from industry to turn a profit by eliminating costly waste. It contains a list of lean’s famous “seven wastes” but interpreted for the construction industry.

Dear Gemba Coach,

Should we plan according to what we can do, or the other way around?