ABSTRACT

In a Lean culture, everyone from the leadership to the employees knows and applies the Lean concepts. If Lean is to become part of the culture, the principles and their application must be well understood. New behaviors and practices can be infused into the culture when everyone in the culture is working toward the same goals and speaking the same language. Speaking the same language means taking away the mystery of some of the Lean lingo. Since Lean is a journey, and a way of life, the training must be continued as the organization changes and new staff and leaders are brought on board. Value is always defined from the customer at the end of the value stream. In an office, the customer receives the product or service the organization offers. Each person in the value stream needs to understand who the customer is and what is needed from the process.