Lean New Year’s Resolutions

            Some resolutions that might contribute to the success of lean initiatives in the year ahead:

• I will keep an open mind and not insist on doing something the way we’ve always done it just because that’s the way we’ve always done it.
  
• I will adjust my metrics to only measure that which truly adds customer value.
  
• I will talk to my customers and not assume I know what they consider to be of value.
  
• (For managers:) I will step back and not try to substitute my judgment for the team’s.
  
• I will try to learn about lean from other industries, not just my own.
  
• I will apply lean to all parts of my enterprise, not just the shop floor.
  
• I will work to align strategies, tactics and incentives throughout my enterprise.
  
• I will genuinely try to build relationships with my supply chain partners and not just squeeze them for a better deal.
  
• I will attend a lean conference to learn from the experience of others.
  
• I will read a new book about lean. (OK, we’re a publisher, so that’s a little self-serving. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea.)

Feel free to post a comment adding more resolutions.

            I am on vacation during the week ahead, so my next posting will be after the first of the year. Happy Holidays!