A lean management system is not a box of tools leaders can cherry pick from to make quick, organizational change. It is part of an integrated operating system where leadership vision and strategies are connected to daily continuous improvement to sustain and steadily improve the organization.
Each of these tools are linked to create a system, not just a pile of discrete tasks.These elements work together and become interlocking gears that ultimately move an organization forward.
The critical step for any leader interested in lean is to look beyond the tools and resources and, instead, consider four core elements to effectively implement lean management systems.