Lean Is Not Mean: 68 Practical Lessons in Lean Leadership

The long-term viability of Lean as an alternative management system depends on the ability of its practitioners to recognize the differences, both great and small, between it and conventional management practice. Foremost among the differences is the way in which Lean management must be led. For some three decades, the great majority of leaders have led Lean in ways that resulted in good outcomes for the company and its shareholders, but bad outcomes for employees, suppliers, and other key stakeholders. If it’s mean, it’s not Lean. The intent of Lean management is to instead create outcomes that are good for everyone: employees, suppliers, customers, investors, and communities. This book will help leaders close the gap between actual outcomes and required outcomes. It presents 68 practical lessons to improve their understanding and practice of Lean management and achieve outcomes that benefit all stakeholders.