The story began twenty-nine years ago, as I stood in front of a group of employees who had been forced to attend a class I had been contracted to deliver. It was a training program that introduced a small manufacturing company to the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS). The Toyota Production System is the basis of current Lean Manufacturing and 6-Sigma programs. In essence, I was teaching a method for identifying and eliminating waste in business processes. To illustrate my thoughts about how this system should be applied to American industry, I had prepared over 160 slides, including charts, graphs, illustrations, text and checklists. I was to show these slides in conjunction with a series of interactive lectures scheduled to run for ten weeks at the rate of three one-hour sessions per week. As with all of my projects, the entire company was required to attend—everyone from the custodial personnel to the CEO. But about 15 minutes into the class, I hit a snag. Listen in to find out what it was and how I charted a new course for my consulting business. For you listening pleasure. Best, Len
The story began twenty-nine years ago, as I stood in front of a group of employees who had been forced to attend a class I had been contracted to deliver. It was a training program that introduced a small manufacturing company to the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS). The Toyota Production System is the basis of current Lean Manufacturing and 6-Sigma programs. In essence, I was teaching a method for identifying and eliminating waste in business processes. To illustrate my thoughts about how this system should be applied to American industry, I had prepared over 160 slides, including charts, graphs, illustrations, text and checklists. I was to show these slides in conjunction with a series of interactive lectures scheduled to run for ten weeks at the rate of three one-hour sessions per week. As with all of my projects, the entire company was required to attend—everyone from the custodial personnel to the CEO. But about 15 minutes into the class, I hit a snag. Listen in to find out what it was and how I charted a new course for my consulting business. For you listening pleasure. Best, Len