What to talk about instead of value streams

The best definition for your organization is a shared definition. Attempt to clarify what you all mean and stick to a common understanding wherever possible.

You may find that the simplest starting point is just avoiding the buzzword until you’ve reached a common understanding.

Waste reduction

Identifying and eliminating any steps in a process that do not add value to the final product or service. Cutting costs, lowering overhead.

Streamlining processes

Identifying and eliminating unnecessary steps in a process, which can increase efficiency and reduce waste.

Organizational design

Moving from a functional hierarchy to a flow-based network of teams.

Continuous improvement

Looking for ways to improve processes, products, and services.

Lean principles

Concepts and tools that help organizations optimize their processes and reduce waste.

Customer value

Improving the benefit that a customer receives from a product or service.

Process efficiency

Using resources in the most efficient way possible to produce a product or service.

Flow optimization

Ensuring that work flows smoothly and efficiently through a process without bottlenecks or delays.

Cross-functional collaboration

Working across different functions or teams within an organization to achieve a common goal.

Interdepartmental communication

Exchanging information and ideas between different departments or teams.

Team alignment and collaboration

Ensuring that all teams within an organization are effectively working towards the same goals and objectives.

Horizontal integration

Linking or aligning different parts of an organization that are at the same level, rather than hierarchically.

Organizational transparency

Making information, decision-making processes, and goals visible and accessible to all teams within an organization.

Integrated teamwork

Bringing different teams and departments together in a coordinated and effective model.

Removing silos

Breaking down barriers between different departments or teams within an organization.

Performance improvement

Measures that help organizations track their progress towards goals and identify areas for improvement.

Shipping the roadmap

How to deliver all the things the org promised.

Digital transformation

If they bring it up, you should be able to speak their language. Whatever it means to them.

Then, if folks are curious about how... you may be talking about value streams.