A Tribute to the Founder of Kaizen Institute and Father of KAIZEN?

Welcome to KAIZEN? News – the monthly newsletter for Lean leaders who are committed to Continuous Improvement. Each time, we focus on ONE topic that drives business success from a KAIZEN? perspective and examine it from FIVE different perspectives. Dive into the KAIZEN? way of thinking.

In this issue, we remember Masaaki Imai, the founder of Kaizen Institute and father of KAIZEN? who peacefully passed away on June 12th, 2023 at the age of 92. We celebrate his life and achievements by highlighting five key memories that showcase his contributions to the world of Continuous Improvement.

1) KAIZEN?: Everyone, Everyone, Every Day Improvement

Masaaki Imai said: "KAIZEN? is not simply Continuous Improvement, but it is everyone improvement, everywhere improvement, and every day improvement." This philosophy should start from the top, with managers leading by example and fostering a culture of positive change. It should extend to all employees, and it should be applied to all aspects of a company's operations, not just the shop floor. By embracing KAIZEN?, organizations can unlock tremendous potential for growth and innovation. It's not just a program or a methodology; it's a way of thinking and working that can transform a company from the inside out.

Masaaki Imai’s definition of KAIZEN?

2) The Journey to Organizational Excellence

Masaaki Imai promoted the approach to achieve organizational greatness for almost four decades. His insights were gained from gathering data and information on both Japanese and US management approaches. The release of his best-selling book “KAIZEN?: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success” in 1986 led to numerous invitations to lecture at prestigious institutions. Masaaki Imai established Kaizen Institute in the US and later in Europe, elaborating on the Western organizational psyche and culture, and how it differs from the Japanese approach. From a historical perspective, he can truly be regarded as a pioneer in organizational excellence.

The historical development of Masaaki Imai’s insights into organizational behavior

3) Applying Continuous Improvement in the Current Context

During the pandemic, Masaaki Imai shared his thoughts on how the KAIZEN? approach can be applied in any type of organization, regardless of sector, and how it can be adapted to the new normal of virtual working. He emphasized the importance of companies reconnecting with the changed needs of customers and communicating continuously with them to better understand their new requirements. His conclusion: Successful companies will continue to implement the KAIZEN? approach, fully committed and supported by the CEO, and striving to shorten the distance between customers and gemba.

Interview with Masaaki Imai and his Focus on KAIZEN? Continuous Improvement

4) Strategic KAIZEN? – A Revolutionary Approach to Operational Excellence

At the core of Masaaki Imai’s third book is the revolutionary Flow, Synchronization, and Leveling (FSL?) evaluation, the most effective Lean paradigm available. Strategic KAIZEN? teaches the importance of assessing financial and operational standpoints, identifying ideal production, and operating systems, and implementing FSL? for maximum results. The book features case studies from companies that have successfully implemented FSL?. Whether running a business, serving in public service, or practicing Lean, this guide provides everything needed to transform your organization and lead it to the top of your industry, trade, or business.

Strategic KAIZEN?: Using Flow, Synchronization, and Leveling [FSL?] Assessment to Measure and Strengthen Operational Performance

5) 12 Key Quotes for Continuous Improvement

Masaaki Imai’s quotes emphasize the importance of recognizing the need for improvement, seeking input from others, and being committed to the long-term process of change. With the current challenges faced by companies, it is even more important to adopt a Continuous Improvement mindset. As Masaaki Imai said, "The starting point for improvement is to recognize the need." Companies need to recognize the need for improvement in order to thrive in a constantly changing environment. Another timely quote is "Don't wait for the perfect solution." With so much uncertainty, companies need to continuously improve and adjust as they go.

Download all 12 of Masaaki Imai's key KAIZEN? quotes

#kaizen #leanleadership #continuousimprovement #masaakiimai #organizationalbehavior #lean #operationalexcellence

Kaizen Institute Global – Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day – The KAIZEN? Way

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