MetaExperts Logo

What It Really Takes to Get Lean — Guest Blog by MetaExpert Karl Rickman

March 31, 2018

Most companies don’t understand the effort that it takes to become a Lean company. They all want to be world class but they all want somebody to do it for them, not with them. I constantly get “that doesn’t work for me” or “We don’t have deep pockets like Toyota”. They want to do the same things but expect different results. I’ve heard a million time, “Karl that doesn’t work for me, I tried that!”

It amazes me how many of my foreign customers with limited budgets roll up their sleeves, works hard and just “Do It!”

It has to start from the top, to get results it’s all about who participates and holds their management accountable.

Important things to understand:

1) You have to grasp the situation.

2) You need a clearly communicated vision and targets. It is best for management to be part of setting these targets.

3) It takes three to five years not 90 days. A consultant can get you going but it will depend on the company’s efforts to get the full benefits.

4) It’s great to get new young blood out of school, those who don’t have any predetermined notions, but they should be partnered with experienced people who understand the business and are willing to change.

5) Hold your leaders accountable. When you are sick and the doctor prescribes medicine, if you don’t take it as prescribed, is it the doctor’s fault you didn’t get better?

6) There is not always a canned answer. Just like sometimes the doctor has to adjust medicine to fit your needs. The systems/tools need to be adjusted based on the behaviors they drive. Many companies stop when it doesn’t work the first time.

 

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

About Patricia Linn

Patricia Rae Linn is a Senior Business Development and Marketing Strategist with over 27 years in growth strategy development and implementation. As an agency owner and consultant, Pat has fulfilled Federal, State, County and Municipal government contracts, and hundreds of diversified industry client contracts in the private and not-for-profit sectors. She is known for her vision, innovation, ability to influence perception, and ease of managing complex projects fluidly.

Spotlight

Related Posts

Ready To Get Started?
Schedule a Call Now

Get MetaExperts™ & Get it Done Now

With one phone call, email, or clicking a link schedule a time to speak with the MetaExperts™ sourcing expert. You are just minutes away from getting your improvement initiative started or re-energized.

Contact NowBecome a MetaExpert

©2021 All rights reserved, MetaOps, Inc.

Address

Corporate Address:
10343 RS Avenue
Mattawan, MI 49071
Canadian Address:
168 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield, 
QC H9W 4A1
Mexico Address:
Circunvalación Sur 115A, Int. 6, Las Fuentes
Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, 45070

Support

734-425-1455
experts@metaexperts.com
envelopephone-handsetchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram