12 Lean Memes we need to spread to be successful in our Lean Implementation efforts.

1. we need to spread to be successful
in our Lean Implementation efforts

2. Created by Tom Curtis 2011
Blog: www.onimproving.blogspot.com
Presentations: on www.slideshare.net/onimproving
Email: ideamerchants@gmail.com
Twitter: @onimproving

3. Meme:
an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to
person within a culture-Merriam-Webster Dictionary www.m-w.com

4. The Memes

5. Respect for People
Without respect for people, Lean progress will not
be sustainable. People thinking and improving
are a key basis for real longterm improvement.

6. Surface Problems
If we do not know what and where the
problems are we cannot correct them.

7. Seek Flow and Rhythm
Flow is a state that shows issues quickly and
minimizes waste. Rhythm simplifies our
planning, operating, and supporting activities.
They must be a constant goal for all involved.

8. Go and See
To understand issues we need to go to where the action takes
place and see things for ourselves. Our ability to understand
and help correct will depend on how regularly we are there
and the relationships we build and maintain.

9. Plan Do Check Act
This is our cycle to better.
We must practice this everyday in all we do.

10. Manage Visually
If everybody can see and understand it, it becomes simpler
and less effort to manage. This takes upfront work and
iteration, but pays back in tangible and intangible ways.

11. Eliminate Waste
Waste is the enemy of value. It must be recognized,
neutralized, and destroyed. As this is done, we
must ensure that we do not create additional waste,
strain, or unevenness in our activities.

12. Practice Kaizen
Kaizen is not just an activity, but an attitude and
orientation. We all, every employee, must approach our
activities and assignments with an eye for improvement.

13. Quality in each Step
Quality is not a department or support function.
Each employee ensures that they only pass along
quality parts to the following activity. This facilitates
correction of error in a timely manner at the source.

14. Establish Level Demand
Level Demand is an often overlooked, yet crucial
part of Lean. It facilitates stability, rhythm and flow.

15. Customer Defines Value
If it is not something the customer will pay for it
is not value creating. Non-value added activities
must be minimized to only those truly required.

16. Desire Just in Time
Just in Time is the pinnacle of Lean. It should be the
goal that all our improvement efforts work towards.