How many times have you successfully implemented change using lean tools only to realize, after few weeks or months, that the manager and other people have either reverted back to the old methods or have found ways to circumvent the newly established methods.
We learned the hard way that lean transformation cannot be supported and sustained with traditional management system
Most of the times traditional management is results driven and may not focus on the process. Thus there is no inherent motivation for the manager to improve the process. Also when lean tools are applied this type of management does not provide a sustainable system to integrate, improve and sustain changes with daily feedback to realign to solve problems as they arise.
The “Lean Management” provides the framework to drive the lean culture. As identified by David Mann in his book “Creating Lean Culture“, there are 4 elements that makeup the Lean Management:
1. Leader Standard Work
2. Daily Accountability
3. Visual Controls
4. Discipline
Leader Standard Work sustains the systems integrates the changes made during the transformation process. Visual Control and Daily Accountability helps keep the process and people aligned to solve problems as they arise. The Discipline of the leader ensures that standard work is followed and the whole system works coherently.