Lead with Lean| Book Series

Overview:

Learn to lead with lean by developing people: In a world in which innovation is the name of the game and competition gets fiercer by the day, lean management has become the go-to methodology for organizations committed to providing greater value for their customers. Sadly, the vast majority of lean transformations fail – and more often than not the reason behind this is to be found in a common misinterpretation of what lean actually is.

Over the past 25 years, our understanding of lean thinking – a management philosophy inspired by Japanese carmaker Toyota – has changed beyond recognition. From a set of tools and techniques, this unique approach has come to be seen as a system for learning that, if adopted as a business strategy, has the power to transform any organization.

Too many business executives still see lean thinking as a set of tools, a “program” that employees are force-fed, or a magic solution to all problems – failing to see that business transformation and leadership transformation are inextricably linked. The only way to succeed is, indeed, to lead with lean.

This book will take you through the evolution of lean thinking and practice, as seen through the eyes of one of the Lean Community’s leading experts – Michael Ballé. By collecting some of Michael’s best papers – many of which were written with lean gurus like Dan Jones, Jeff Liker and Art Smalley – Lead with Lean will strengthen your understanding of the methodology and encourage you to take it on (if you haven’t already).

Michael’s unique writing style has the power to inform, inspire, and challenge the reader by providing engaging practical examples that are used to convey deep reflections and lessons learned. This is clearly reflected in the stories of lean transformations contained in the book, which were observed and documented by Michael himself at the “gemba” (Japanese for “the place where the work takes place”).

 

Authors:

Michael Balle, Roberto Priolo, Daniel Jones

Published In:

7 September 2017

 

The Work of Management | Book Series

Overview:

Author and CEO Jim Lancaster tells a practical and inspiring story on two levels. It’s a close-up, candid look at his personal transformation as a leader. It’s also a practical, in-depth, business case study of Lantech’s lean transformation, relapse, and comeback that American manufacturing – and other industries – can use to profitably transform themselves. In his engaging story, Lancaster reveals: Why Lantech, a stellar lean performer for a decade, struggled over time (like many other companies) to sustain gains and improve financial performance. Why 60 to 90 minutes of daily frontline management activities are a CEO’s most important minutes of the day for sustaining and growing their business. 8 steps executives can take to lead experiments to create a bullet-proof, real-time daily management system without expensive consultants. Why daily management requires a major shift in managers’ mindsets and behaviors from giving orders and judging individuals on performance to asking questions and enabling good work by people at lower levels so metrics are routinely met. How daily management and sustainable continuous improvement produces dramatic positive effects on the bottom line. What happens in daily huddles where team members review how well they are sustaining gains and staying on track. How to practice true lean leadership in which “bosses” truly act like coaches — not solving problems for people but asking them what they can to do help. How Lantech ties together all facets of the company in an integrated way (from sales to production). Why it deeply invests in the lean training and practice of every single employee every day.

Authors:

Jim Lancaster, Emily Adams, Jim Womack

Published In:

3 July 2017