A Lean Enterprise Transformation is Like a Marathon

A lean enterprise transformation is like a marathon. Success depends on daily conditioning. It’s unlike a marathon in that it’s not a race with a goal at the end of 26 miles. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say being a lean organization is like being a marathon runner. Organizational fitness must be built up and tested daily for the long run to be possible.

Luxury Reimagined: The Marathon Coach Experience

Marathon Coach is renowned for crafting luxury vehicles for a clientele that includes movie stars, Saudi princes, and adventure-seeking individuals with financial independence. Their coaches exemplify stellar craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, and unrivaled comfort. I’ve had the opportunity to witness their creation and enjoy a ride in one – a truly luxurious experience. Explore a variety of these exquisite Marathon Coach models by visiting the linked Gallery. Indeed, a Marathon coach is the epitome of what every welded bus frame aspires to evolve into.

Tennis Balls: Chris Carson’s Tool for Marathon Improvement

Chris Carson is a reader of this blog and is a practicing lean leader at Marathon Coach. He presents 20 new ways to implement kaizen practices, utilizing something as simple as tennis balls. The building of a custom luxury coach involves the intricate process of plumbing, wiring, flooring, installation of cabinets, electrical work, mechanical assembly, and more. Not only is each one customized for their elite end customers, but the resulting quality must be free of minor flaws.

To this effect, Chris has ingeniously discovered several ways to make use of tennis balls. Let’s explore them:

1.  Windshield wiper stud protector
2.  Fastener/WOW rack protectors
3. Awning risers (self-preservation)
4.  A container for roof wax
5.  Planer handle protector

6. Coach stop (hung from the building ceiling)
7. Coach glass (protect all 4 corners)
8. Exterior paint scaffold (keeps scaffold from damaging anything)
9. Ends of the paint guns (protects the needles when not in use)
10. Ends of the glue guns
11. Hang in a no-walk zone
12. End of valance rods (keeps material from falling off, protects from any injury when run into)
13. Sheet metal brake handles
14. Metal band saw stand
15. Ends of the plumbing pipes in coaches, eliminate debris inside pipes
16. AV rack spins, and protects the vinyl
17. XLV bay doors (top corners)
18. Flip down TV mechanism corners
19. Loose screws found in coaches, use as a screw holder
20. Broom handle, if the broom falls, it won’t cause damage

Using tennis balls as safeguards to prevent costly coaches from broom handle scratches—certainly, that’s outside-the-box thinking!

Finding Balance: The Key to Sustainable Improvement

Just as overly structured fitness regimens can strain the body leading to diminished physical health, too much formalization and standardization can also inhibit the process of continuous improvement. There might be days when taking a break from your marathon prep to indulge in a tennis match is the right thing to do. Likewise, at times, it might be more beneficial to suspend the routine kaizen event, distribute tennis balls to everyone, and inspire them to use them innovatively.

May your strides continue long and steady.

---