Video

Exploring the Technical and Nontechnical Challenges of Being a Chief Engineer, A Candid Conversation with Two CEs (Part 1)

Chief engineers typically have strong technical skills to effectively lead and manage the work of engineers, designers, and other developers. But perhaps their greatest talent…

by Chet Marchwinski

Article

In Lean We Trust; Especially in a Crisis 

When phone calls and cancellations started coming in, the COVID-19 crisis became more than a news report about somewhere else. We knew we had our own situation to deal with. 

by Josh Howell

Article

Why Visualize?

Dear Gemba Coach: Why do you insist so much on visualizing information?

by Michael Ballé

Article

Mega Mura Bubble Trouble

I started writing my monthly e-letter in October of 2001 to speak to the worries of the Lean Community as the world economy slid into…

by James (Jim) Womack, PhD

Article

Launching and Sustaining a Lean “Pop-Up”

"It’s not unusual for a lean leader or lean practitioner to feel alone, especially in a company or enterprise early in its lean journey," writes…

by Doug Bartholomew

Article

I am the Violin, or, Mastery through Doing

Developing lean vision, lean mastery, is hard work says Orry Fiume, who compare this learning journey to a childhood prodigy who explained her young talent…

by Orest (Orry) Fiume

Article

6 Insights on How to Show Respect for People: A Lean Post Roundup

Practicing respect in a lean environment requires both a general mindset committed to the practice and constant daily actions grounded in the work. This roundup…

by Tom Ehrenfeld

Article

Are You Having Problems with Your Problem-Solving?

Here are some useful questions to ask about how you approach problems. Following them may help you avoid some common mistakes and form better habits. 

by Tracey Richardson

Article

“Lean Production” Turns 25

Author and management expert James Womack talks with The Leaning Edge about the state of lean management and what’s new in his latest book, the…

Article

Get On Your Sneakers and Start Conversations, Learning How to Create End-to-End Excellence

Take a (gemba) walk on the sustainable improvement side with Ingersoll Rand.

Article

Improving Information Technology Processes with Lean Principles: An Interview with Steve Bell

Steve Bell, a lean IT coach, practitioner, and author is a trailblazer in the use of lean to improve information technology. Bell is the author…

by Doug Bartholomew

Article

Is the digital revolution a more important business development than lean?

Dear Gemba Coach, Isn’t the digital revolution, especially in services, a more important business development than lean?

by Michael Ballé

Article

An Interview with Executive and Lean Practitioner Gary Berndt

Gary Berndt, who has led lean transformations in a variety of companies, answers questions about connecting lean efforts to strategy and financial objectives, executive behavior…

by Chet Marchwinski

Article

How Lean Can Help You Go Green

How to use lean thinking and practices to create sustainable business practices.

by Gary Cundill and Rose Heathcote

Video

A Video Primer on Improvement and Coaching Kata

A veteran kata instructor offers a brief explanation of two vital problem-solving and innovation-driving practices.

by Beth Carrington and Lean Leaper

Article

From Cradle-to-Gate to Cradle-to-Cradle: A Lean Approach to Sustainable Product Design

Lean Product and Process Development (LPPD) plays a pivotal role in contributing to a more sustainable, less resource-intensive society.

by Catherine Chabiron

Case Study

Craftsmanship Revolution: GE Appliances Redefines Appliance Product Development

Explores GE Appliances' transformation journey, where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge digital tools to create a revolution in product development and manufacturing.

by Dave Leone and Mark Weaver

Article

For Lean Thinkers, "Clutch" Offers Lessons in Planning and Leading

Read an excerpt from Paul Sullivan's new book Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don't, discussing what made Toyota a clutch performer…

by Paul Sullivan

Article

The Manufacturing Waste Series: Introduction

In the first installment of his new series on waste, Andrew Quibell's latest sketch introduces his take on why kaizen efforts often fail to achieve…

by Andrew Quibell

Article

Believe in One Thing All the Way

Who is a “superhero” in our companies, asks Darril Wilburn in this inspiring piece: Is it the person that can outperform nine others by three…

by Darril Wilburn