The Lean Definition of Improvements
Have you ever made what you thought was an improvement only to find that it causes a bigger problem than the one you solved?
Lean business philosophy attempts to solve this by defining an improvement as follows:
- Is it Safer?
- Is it Better Quality?
- Is it Simpler?
- Is it Faster?
This definition is hierarchical - If a change makes something faster but less safe it is NOT considered an improvement.
Is Learning Improving?
Yes! An example will help explain this:
One way for a lean newcomer to learn the 8 wastes would be to read 2 Second Lean by Paul Akers.
Why is this an improvement? Well, many of us who have been practicing lean for a while incorporate words and phrases into our daily language that would not make sense to newbies at first. Words and phrases like:
- 5 Whys
- Target Condition
- Cycle Time
- Gemba
Rather than stopping to explain every lean phrase or word (or worse yet having a vocabulary quiz) newcomers can learn by reading 2 Second Lean and experiencing lean meetings - learning through context. Of course, questions are encouraged. It’s an immersive approach that allows the learner to learn while doing.
A lean newcomer’s simplicity increases as they begin to speak the language and understand the concepts of lean. The quality of their experience improves as they begin to understand and internalize the concepts of lean and make improvements themselves.
Improvements Inspire Improvements
An exhilarating experience is watching one team member’s improvement inspire another. This “compounding” of improvements leads to profound change over time. Profound improvements to processes and environment - but also to humans as they strengthen their improvement ability or muscle. What develops is an army of problem solvers - who can take these skills home to their families and communities.