Last month I served on a jury and really enjoyed the opportunity. The pamphlet that was handed out to all jurors had some advice that I think is good for those in a Lean organization:
“It is enough that you keep an open mind, use common sense, concentrate on the evidence presented, and be fair and honest in your deliberations. Remember: Don’t be influenced by sympathy or prejudice.”
Keeping an open mind is important for innovation. So often our minds want to keep things the same or we may stretch to optimize how things are. An open mind will help you create something new.
Common sense is woven throughout Lean thinking. While the concepts are simple, the applications of them are elegant.
Going to gemba will be the key piece of evidence for you to concentrate on. The facts you witness and hear will help you make a good verdict for what improvements to make.
Lean is about focusing on your customers and what your business needs to prosper. This focus helps you to be fair and honest while avoiding sympathy or prejudice. Pet projects or individual agendas may not always fit into Lean thinking.
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Jamie Flinchbaugh just wrote a great post about Lean and common sense – check out
http://jamieflinchbaugh.com/2010/02/you-must-lack-common-sense/
thanks for the mention Brian.