The Atomic Rules of Kaizen

Interested in a free 25+ eBook on the 7 Wastes? Please DOWNLOAD HERE.

Systems that are internally consistent and externally pragmatic stem from just a few rules.  Systems with exceedingly many rules typically fail or will not endure.  For example,

• Most mathematical truths stem from just a few axioms
• Music stems from just a handful of finite notes
• Most Martial Arts stem from a few principles of angle, attack, force, etc.

This same approach is true for Kaizen.  In Kaizen, it is important to have fidelity to just a few atomic rules, from which a range of behavior will originate.  Below are the rules that I subscribe to:

1. Spend no Money
2. Add no People
3. Add no Space
4. Add no Steps (Touches)

These four atomic rules collectively form constraints, leading to some creative tension.  For example,

• We will be compelled to use creativity
• We will be compelled toward elegance
• We will be compelled to respect people
• We will be compelled to question the status quo
• We will be compelled to think “we can, if…” instead of “we can’t because…”
• We will be compelled to focus on processes, instead of finger-pointing at others
• We will be compelled to make many small improvements, instead of big, water-shed changes that take a lot of time and resources
• We will be compelled to seek the collective wisdom of many people, instead of a few, select heroes

In a tough economic climate in which we all find ourselves, a Kaizen worldview is needed more now than ever.

search terms for this article:

kaizen rules, kaizen kanji, atomic rules, kaizen rule, 4 basic atomic rules, kaizen customer service, atomic rule, kaizen in customer service, Examples of atomic rules, four basic atomic rules, kaizen event examples, what are the 4 basic atomic rules, three rules of kaizen, what is the rule of kaizen, what are the four basic atomic rules, kaizen rules services, kaizen theory rules, kaizens for customer service, rule of kaizen, kaizen\s rule, kanji toyota, The Atomic Theory rules of, the atomic rules, kizens laws, respect for people toyota kanji, KIZEN RULES, kaizen event rules, 10 rules of kaizen, atomic lean sigma, atomis rules, basic atomic rules, basic kaizen rules, business rules of kaizen, customer service kaizen, customer service kaizen examples, customer service keizan, Gemba Kanji, kaisen rule, kaizen customer service examples, 10 kaizen event rules, 10 kaizen thumb rules

Related Articles: