How To Leverage The Principles Of Lean

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...start, take action and monitor the results. Use this starting point to generate momentum, enthusiasm and support for the changes that lean inevitably brings. However don’t assume everything must change — don’t ignore the value of what you already do.

5. Remember it’s not a cost cutting exercise — although cost reduction may be one of the outcomes of lean, it’s really not about cutting costs or your workforce. To be most effective, lean needs to focus on creating value and minimising waste.

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...Communicate your new way of thinking — ensure all stakeholders are aware of what you’re doing. A key message needs to be that this is a positive change within the business and something that everyone needs to be aware of and proud of.

7. Share your experience and learning — take time out to share your lean journey and the best practice you've learned from it with, for example, existing and prospective customers. This is a great opportunity to get closer to them and give them the opportunity to get to know you as a partner, rather than simply a supplier.

8. Spot the barriers to effective lean thinking — understand what, who and where the blocks and barriers to lean are within your organisation. Think positively, creatively and proactively about how these can be overcome.

9. Invest time to measure success — the success of your ongoing lean attitude needs to be measured. From the outset, have transparent measures in place to assess the quantitative and qualitative impact of the changes and be prepared to share these with all stakeholders.

 

 

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