You understand the value of Lean and where it can take you and your Teams. You are not alone, but you may feel under-qualified to start the Lean journey believing that understanding and utilizing Lean is beyond your competency and ability. You could not be more wrong, and you probably don’t realize that the experience you already possess is what makes Lean so valuable. Lean by itself holds little benefit without a deep understanding of the processes where it will be used to influence.

Lean is based upon common sense and rational thought, not rocket science. It requires a foundational understanding of your processes and a willingness to take an honest look in both the operational and leadership mirrors. Lean works, and it will impact every single fiber of your organization’s operational fabric. It will be woven into your quality, service, customer satisfaction, safety, growth, and financial processes. Lean works because it isn’t a “program” or new initiative, it is a mindset that is reflected in your behaviors, habits, and ultimately your culture. It is based upon a deep desire to optimize the processes that consume your limited resources, resulting in either the production of value or waste.