I think one of the main points to remember is that the lean approach and Kaizen in general is something to be implemented into the individual’s lives as well as the business itself. Imai, one of the most knowledgeable authorities on Kaizen and lean, has stated the importance of this.

I believe that the most overlooked aspect of business is most often the people. If you can make any principle, including Kaizen, a part of the way of life for all concerned then not only will the business be more profitable and efficient, but the lives of the employees will be richer. This has a compound effect that runs much further than immediate gain, it sets everything in motion for life-long results.

One of the strategies I use when I teach Kaizen is “setting the standard”. Before embarking on anything I teach that you should set up a “code of conduct” or a standard that you wish to meet. If you set the standard to an elite level then the daily implementation of Kaizen and lean become much more efficient because there is a certain conduct expected of yourself and the business. All of this works for the individual separate from the business also.

It’s great to see the western world beginning to realise that we need to “pull our finger out” and raise our standards by applying something that is responsible for most of Japan’s competetive success.

Regards,

Chris Lyons.
http://www.endlesshumanpotential.com