ABSTRACT
There are some mechanisms for implementing Lean improvements called improvement pyramid. At the peak of the pyramid are rapid improvement events which most readers no doubt associate with Lean. A team of experts are assembled for multiple days and charged with analyzing a specific process, identifying waste, and building a better way. Properly facilitated, rapid improvement events can be significantly impactful both in terms of the process improvements implemented as well as the growth of team members. Numerous targeted Lean tools may be used inside of a rapid improvement event. As a Lean leader, it's not necessary to be an expert on each tool or event planning and facilitation. In the middle of our pyramid are good, old-fashioned projects. Oftentimes, various barriers exist which prevent improvements from being implemented within a weeklong rapid improvement event. Like rapid improvement event facilitation skills, the success of one's Lean expedition is not contingent on the leader being an expert project manager.
