Lean

The Secret to Lean Success in One Sentence

By Ron Pereira Updated on August 10th, 2014

Secret to Success Road SignI was working on an office value stream map module for the refresh we’re doing to our Transforming your Value Streams course.

During this module we share several questions that can be asked as team’s work to create an improved future state value stream map in office or transactional environments… there are 9 questions to be exact.

But, at the end of this section, we sum it up with this statement.

“In the end, if we could summarize how to go about creating excellent future state value stream maps we’d simply say to focus on two things… respect your associates and focus on making value flow.  If you do this good things will no doubt result.”

After I read it I wondered if that simple statement was the true essence of what lean thinking, and really continuous improvement, is all about.

Respect your associates and focus on making value flow.

What do you think?


  1. Rick Foreman

    June 16, 2014 - 6:23 am

    Ron;
    I really like the statement. Ultimately both actions end up achieving the focus of lean for the stakeholders. At times, I believe we over complicate the meaning and what we’re working to accomplish.

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