Within Lean an important practice is to go and see. This should not only be used when there is a known problem. To observe teaches you many things about processes and practices in the organization.
Gemba Walk
“A practice of walking the gemba, the actual place where work is done. The purpose is to observe and learn the true conditions of a certain process.”
Today I have added a book to the book section that I highly recommend!
One of the greatest challenges when it comes to Lean is to adapt the thinking of the iterative continuous improvement was to problem solving. In my opinion this is aided by examples from the real world. It is important though not to see them as guides of how to do but rather ideas on how to approach a problem, how to think in the face of challenges.
Of all the books I have read so far this is one of my favourites. We get to come along with James P. Womack on his journey of going to the Gemba and seeing for himself. A valuable insight in to one of the more known students of Lean.
Deming is know for droping a number of big truths when it comes to quality, leadership and lean. This is no exception, always get your facts straight.
“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.”
W. Edwards Deming
“You can’t manage what you can’t measure.”
W. Edwards Deming
