Lean Enterprise Institute

Error-Proofing (also called poka-yoke) refers to methods that prevent mistakes before they happen. They help operators avoid mistakes in their work caused by choosing the wrong part, leaving out a part, installing a part backward, etc. Ex: USB connectors are an example of this because they're actually designed only to fit one way, ensuring it’s inserted correctly and preventing user error completely. What other examples of error-proofing have you noticed in your daily life or work? #LeanThinking #ProblemSolving #ContinuousImprovement #Efficiency

Tired of "rituals without results"? Agile practices can lose their way, becoming rigid instead of enabling. In this Design Brief, we explore how thoughtful experimentation, rather than dogmatic adherence to methods, drives true transformation. Read and subscribe: https://hubs.li/Q02Z5yzp0

This graphic illustrates the domino effect of poor management ? Leadership focused solely on demanding results. ? Isolated teams unable to solve problems collaboratively. ? Endless meetings and PPTs that don’t deliver solutions. The result? ??Stressed teams. ?? Pressured leadership. ??Low performance. ?? There’s a better way! In Daily Management to Execute Strategy, discover how to align leadership, teams, and strategy with a practical, transparent system for solving problems at every level—before they spiral out of control. ?? Transform long meetings into quick, meaningful problem-solving sessions. ?? Create a psychologically safe environment for collaboration and improvement. ?? Empower your teams to deliver value consistently. Get your copy at https://hubs.li/Q02Z3WdC0

?? New Learning Session at the 2025 Lean Summit! ?? Fostering a Culture of Improvement in a Remote Workforce Struggling to maintain continuous improvement with remote teams? Learn how Cleveland Clinic adapted its Improvement Model for virtual environments, integrating lean tools like strategy deployment, daily management, problem-solving, and leader standard work into their remote workflows. Amanda Sparacia will share insights, a live demonstration of their virtual systems, and practical tips for engaging and coaching remote teams through technology. Join us at this year's Lean Summit and save up to $600 until January 31! ?? March 5-6, 2025 ?? Atlanta, GA ?? https://hubs.li/Q02Zfxzl0 #LeanSummit2025 #RemoteWork #ContinuousImprovement #VirtualTeams #StrategyDeployment #Leadership Catalysis Inc.

"Best thinking is preferable to best practices" This lesson from Karen S.T.E. Gaudet in her book 'Steady Work' really spoke to me. Similar to the often-used phrase 'teach them how to think, not what to think', it was a great reminder that leaders can have outsized impacts by providing a framework for solving problems, rather than solely relying upon prescribed solutions. A quick and enjoyable read, 'Steady Work' describes how a familiar brand like Starbucks incorporated lean thinking in its stores, empowering store leaders to solve problems and increase value to their customers. Highly recommended for anyone on the Lean journey! #Lean #MoffittConsulting

Lean in Action: An Everyday Example of 5S ? A Lean methodology designed to create a clean, organized, and efficient workspace through five key practices: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. With "visual cues" for organization, this example shows specific space for each item - maximizing efficiency. Implementing 5S reduces time searching for tools, improves safety, and lays a solid foundation for ongoing improvements. Let us know how 5S can be applied in your life. Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q02Yj8lc0 #Improvement #Management #LeanThinking #LeanStartups

?? Engaging Your Team in Problem-Solving: Do These Questions Sound Familiar? ?? When it comes to addressing challenges, frontline team members often have critical insights that drive real change. But first, we need to create an environment where they feel empowered to ask questions like: ?“How did this problem arise?” ?“What does it have to do with me?” ?“How can I contribute more?” These are the voices we need to hear. When team members understand the impact of problems and feel involved in finding solutions, it creates a powerful shift: ? Faster problem-solving ? Greater ownership and accountability ? A stronger connection to the overall strategy ?? LEI's new book Daily Management to Execute Strategy emphasizes that everyone—from the front line to management—should be part of the solution. Order your copy today: https://hubs.li/Q02YqJdW0 ?? Are you involving your team in problem-solving? What questions do they bring to the table? Share your experiences in the comments! ??

What Sets Great Chief Engineers Apart? The role of a Chief Engineer is often described as the ultimate stand-and-deliver job. But what truly makes someone excel in this challenging leadership role? It’s not just technical expertise or grit—it’s about uniting people, aligning priorities, and delivering exceptional value to the customer. Here are the Top 5 Traits of an Outstanding Chief Engineer: ? Inspires collaboration—breaks down silos and unites cross-functional teams. ? Focuses on customer value—aligns every decision with what matters most to the customer. ? Masters the value stream—keeps the entire development process flowing smoothly, end-to-end. ? Communicates with clarity—ensures everyone understands the vision and their role in achieving it. ? Leads without authority—builds trust and influence without relying on formal power. Do these traits resonate with your organization’s leaders? ?? Want more leadership insights like this? Subscribe to the Design Brief Newsletter: https://hubs.li/Q02YqNt90

Happy National "Use Less Stuff" Day! The day was created to spread awareness about the clutter of unnecessary things. Let's talk lean "Waste" ??? (no it's not physical trash) -> It’s about any activity that doesn’t add value to your product or service. Each type of waste represents an opportunity to improve, simplify, and empower your team to deliver better results. Which type of waste do you encounter most often in your work, and how do you manage it? Let us know! ?? #LeanThinking #Improvement #Efficiency #Management

?? Why You Should NOT Separate Problem-Solving from the People Doing the Work?? When problems arise, waiting for a separate team to analyze and address them can cause delays, misinterpretations, and even greater issues. Here’s why integrating problem-solving into the daily workflow is critical: 1?? Faster Response: People on the front lines see issues as they happen and can take immediate action, minimizing downtime and impact. 2?? Better Understanding: Those closest to the work are more likely to understand the root cause, leading to effective and relevant solutions. 3?? Increased Engagement: When workers are part of the solution, they’re more invested in implementing and sustaining improvements. ?? Bottom Line: Dissociating those who work from those who solve problems amplifies delays and reduces effectiveness. To drive real progress, empower everyone to be a problem-solver. ?? Want to learn how to implement this approach? Check out Daily Management to Execute Strategy for practical tools to engage your team in real-time problem-solving! ?? Order today: https://hubs.li/Q02YqtTv0