Article

Thank you, Tatsuro Toyoda

John Shook remembers the late Tatsuro Toyoda, former president of Toyota.

by John Shook

Article

Toyota Troubles: Fighting the Demons of Complexity

An interview with Professor Takahiro Fujimoto, Manufacturing Management Research Center, University of Tokyo

by John Shook

Article

Developing People Not Robots Through Karakuri

"Karakuri demonstrates that Toyota’s working currency is brainpower, grown through rigorous problem-solving and mentors who challenge their students," writes Matt Savas, "The wallet takes a…

by Matthew Savas

Article

Changing Routines

In this article exploring ways to help lead positive change, Josh Howell asks: is pursuing understanding and conviction part of your influence or change model?…

by Josh Howell

Video

Ask Art: What is the Walk of Shame, and Why Is It Effective?

Take your team on a walk of shame, urges lean veteran Art Byrne. He suggests that you have some fun with it, but ask serious…

by Art Byrne

Article

A Learning Partnership to Support A New Era in American Manufacturing

As policymakers and business leaders work to rebuild and reimagine a struggling U.S. economy, GE is not only at the center of the conversation about…

by Lex Schroeder

Article

No Really, Go to the Gemba

LEI coach Danielle Blais explains why it's so important for lean coaches, leaders, and all managers to regularly visit the gemba (the place where the…

by Danielle McGuiness

Article

Will changing the standard for supervisors' morning gemba walks make them pay more attention?

Dear Gemba Coach,  We have a standard gemba walk for supervisors to check their areas every morning. I’ve noticed that after a while, they tick the…

by Michael Ballé

Article

How Toyota Built its Culture Around the World

A new book takes a deep dive into a more effective way for senior leaders to manage talent to consistently achieve objectives -- and continually…

by John Shook

Article

Integrating Finance into Operational Kaizen: The Operational Leader’s Perspective

Two lean practitioners explain how and why they include accounting and finance teams in all continuous improvement efforts.

by Mike DeLuca

Article

The Lean Case for Founder Mode (plus Manager Mode)

Paul Graham's essay on "Founder Mode" vs. "Manager Mode" sparked a debate about how founders should lead their companies. Josh Howell offers a fresh perspective:…

by Josh Howell

Article

Solving the Productivity Paradox 

In this episode of the Management Brief, Jacob Stoller explores the roots of the productivity paradox, from misguided automation strategies to the overlooked power of…

by Jacob Stoller

Article

How Lean Product and Process Development Can Help Entrepreneurs Design Sustainable Businesses

In this edition of The Design Brief, discover how LPPD helps entrepreneurs design innovative, sustainable, and customer-focused businesses.

by John Drogosz, PhD and Eric Ethington

Lexicon Term

Toyota Production System

The production system developed by Toyota Motor Corporation to provide best quality, lowest cost, and shortest lead time through the elimination of waste. TPS is…

Article

From Lean Tools to Lean Management

James P. Womack reflects on the evolution of lean thinking over 27 years, emphasizing the shift from focusing on individual lean tools to adopting a…

by James (Jim) Womack, PhD

Article

How Do Lean CEOs Learn To Improve?

What, and how, do I have to learn? This key question confronts all CEOs who are practicing lean seriously, argues CEO Nicolas Chartier, who shares…

by Nicolas Chartier

Article

Ask Art: What Incentives and Bonus Programs Best Support Lean?

Bonus and incentive plans work best when they serve an underlying purpose, says Art Byrne, who advises that management design them to boost teamwork, learning,…

by Art Byrne

Article

Effective Leaders Tackle Challenges Systematically

"It's not enough to simply set a challenge," writes Dario Spinola. "We need effective ways of working toward challenges." Read Spinola's suggestions for using The…

by Dario Spinola

Article

Lean Thinking at 20: A Q&A with Jim Womack and Dan Jones

Twenty years ago Jim Womack and Dan Jones helped launch the lean movement as we know it today with their key book Lean Thinking. Yesterday…

by James (Jim) Womack, PhD and Dan Jones

Article

Lean Consortia “Lessons Learned”

Here is a quick overview of the lessons learned by experienced leaders in our case study on lean consortia.

by Lea Tonkin