Lean Transformation Perceptions: What We See, What They See

In any Lean Transformation – or a corporate culture change for which lean manufacturing principles are a major part – there are many perceptions and emotions that permeate the workplace. Often, perception is reality, so it’s important that we manage the perception as well as the reality.

From my experience, what I show below are typical perceptions that come with a lean transformation, turnarounds, or deployment of continuous improvement or process improvement. The Infographic below also reveals stereotypes, some of which is funny, some of which needs to be dealt with in a more serious way.

Here are some examples:

• We see the Toyota Production System, they see another Japanese Quality Movement or some “Asian Thing”.
• We see 5S as a method for stabilizing a process and introducing a systematic way to remove physical waste; they see a housecleaning effort.
• We see the 7 Wastes; they see a workforce reduction or a layoff – which is not usually the case.
• We see a process to be improved or a value stream to be improved; they see the process or value stream as their baby and us calling their “baby ugly”.

Does what I show ring true from your experience? What is your lean transformation experience?

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