We can unintentionally hinder our Lean efforts. If we can recognize what we are doing, we can work to correct.

1. 33 ways we hinder
our Lean efforts

2. Created by Tom Curtis 2011
Blog: www.onimproving.blogspot.com
Other presentations on www.slideshare.net
under Onimproving
Email: ideamerchants@gmail.com
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3. Introduction
Even if we are trying our best, there are ways
we hinder our Lean implementations. What
follows is a list of some of the ways we do
this. We may be tempted to read this looking
for the failings of others, but for maximum
value we need to look at ourselves. If we can
see what we are unintentionally doing, we can
work to correct. Take a read through and let’s
start getting out of our own way. --Tom Curtis

4. 33 ways we hinder
Being inconsistent in effort and follow up
Under Resourcing program or projects
Not involving invested individuals in decisions
Focusing on Tools above Transformation
Having too many “Key Metrics”

5. 33 ways we hinder
Spending too little time in the Gemba
Allowing deviation from Standard
Discouraging surfacing of Problems
Running unstable Processes
Emphasizing Cost Cutting

6. Not
asking for
Help

7. 33 ways we hinder
Not including hands-on activities in Training
Fixing only upon failure
Trying to do everything at once
Assigning certain people to “do Lean”
Distrusting Employees

8. 33 ways we hinder
Communicating unrealistic implementation
timing
Trusting personal theory over observation
Allowing Inventory to cover issues
Seeking to assign blame vs. improve
Punishing Failure

9. Confusing
simple
with easy

10. 33 ways we hinder
Failing to use and update Standard Work
Seeing change as Us vs. Them
Underselling the effort required to change
Complaining about the speed of progress
Ignoring minor defects

11. 33 ways we hinder
Starting and stopping based on business
conditions
Criticizing efforts of others
Preaching not teaching and coaching
Avoiding tough conversations
Not Baselining

12. Giving
up