Different Types of Lean Implementation

It’s All About the Culture

I’ve been a part of three different lean implementation cultures. All successful, all with bumps in the road, all learning experiences.

The System from Scratch (this was fun) where lean was introduced successfully (mostly).Many successful lean implementations have a huge need at their foundation - products being off-shored, bankruptcy or market downturn (fall off cliff). In other words, all but forced to do something different.

The Inherited System (this felt controlled)

This was a lean implementation within a very ingrained culture - we already have a system in place, it works great, just keep it going (aka - don’t rock the boat)...or “do lean our way” as we have done for decades and been very successful. Then there are the tried and true and they found out actually worked, but they want everyone to keep the faith without making any changes (but no change=no progress, in all divisions).

Not Invented Here System (this was slow): And now, we want lean but only if it fits our 50-year, deep-rooted family culture. Then there is the we know we need lean but we really love our culture so just don’t piss anybody off with your lean implementation. Small wins early but find the ones big thing to get everyone j over the hump early .

With the right culture and timing, lean implementation is fairly smooth, but never easy. Just get the ball rolling and it will catch fire. Whether it’s fun, slow or cautious you will learn and gradually adapt your plan to match company needs. All worthwhile lean transitions are really, really tough. Patience is key. δ