An introductory lean thinking analogy

1. Presented by:
Mike Henderson
Business Performance Consultant
mrhenderson1105@gmail.com
A Lean Analogy

2. A Lean Analogy
Warning: I understand that this analogy is not
perfect and a bit of an oversimplification. But it
has proven effective at an introductory level. And
its fun. Feel free to use it accordingly.
The core idea of “Lean” is to maximize
customer value while minimizing waste.
Simply, lean means creating more value
for customers with fewer resources.

3. Grand Coulee Dam, Washington:
A Lean Analogy

4. Power Plant
(Electric
Generation)
Dam Spillway

5. Waste
Productive
Output
Production
Process
(Constraint)
Flow

6. Waste: (defects,
motion, waiting,
rework, excess
Inventory, etc.)
Productive
Output
Work Process
(Constraint)
Flow of
Work
Generic Analogy

7. Factors Influencing
Productive Output:
• Work Flow
• Work Process Constraints
• Waste
Exercise: Break into teams & identify
examples of each factor in your work.