Lean Management
"Our analysis shows that approximately 70% of Lean initiatives fail when middle managers are not adequately engaged or aligned with the transformation goals. Their buy-in is crucial for translating Lean principles into daily practices" (Deloitte)
Lean management, a philosophy rooted in continuous improvement and waste elimination, has transformed industries over many decades by fostering efficiency, innovation, and customer-centric processes. At its core, Lean champions respect for people, collaboration, and adaptability—principles that challenge traditional hierarchical structures.
Top-down management is often credited with providing a "bird's eye view" of operations, enabling leaders to align strategy and allocate resources effectively. However, Lean philosophy flips this notion on its head by emphasizing empowerment at the frontline and eliminating the need for centralized oversight.
Lean tools, core tenets that include:
-
Visual Factory: Where real-time data, visual cues and transparent workflows are made accessible to all—enabling the teams to self-manage and make informed decisions without relying on hierarchical directives.
-
Andon: Developed by Toyota, this system allows any worker, regardless of 'rank', to stop production if an issue arises that can affect production, quality or safety, etc. This approach redistributes 'power' from managers to those closest to where the works getting done.
-
Jidoka: Application of this principle relates well for front line workers, who, fully understanding of the tools and equipment they use, are best positioned to visualize, and articulate equipment's, tools and processes that add increased quality into the product being produced.
These tools and methodologies are just a few of over a hundred options we have available, and from which we at Bespoke Lean use to tailor and optimize the 'roadmaps' that guide us during transition projects from your current operational state to your new state, and new culture.