Matt Elson’s Post

🌟 Enhancing Problem-Solving with Observation and Focus in TPS-Style Management 🌟 In the Toyota Production System (TPS) style management, the journey from insight to action is often navigated through the lens of "SEE" versus "KNOW" and the disciplined approach of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. "SEE," or direct observation, allows leaders and teams to deeply understand the nuances of their operational challenges, beyond what data alone can show. This approach is not just about gathering information; it's about engaging with the reality of the work environment, fostering a deeper connection between leaders and the frontline. Integrating this with the PDCA cycle, where each phase is an opportunity for learning and improvement, highlights the importance of focusing on one problem at a time. This focus ensures that solutions are not just reactive but are thoughtful responses to thoroughly understood issues. By applying the PDCA cycle with a commitment to "SEE" the problem firsthand, organizations can ensure that their actions are informed, their checks are meaningful, and their adjustments lead to real improvement. Incorporating the "SEE" approach within the disciplined structure of PDCA, and maintaining a laser focus on one issue at a time, transforms problem-solving from a theoretical exercise into a practical, impactful activity. (Pictured is a depiction of these concepts drawn by a leader inside one of our customer facilities!) #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #quality #problemsolving

So simple, yet phenomenally hard to do for almost all companies out there! True North Thinking Inc. #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #PDCA #quality #problemsolving

"What problem are we trying to solve?" Such a simple question can bring clarity by refocusing on the core issue. A structured problem-solving process is often underutilized, leading to failed Lean implementations. Problem-solving should be a learning opportunity to make progress toward the target condition. Are you defining your problems correctly? Problem-solving empowers teams and is crucial for Lean success. Toyota’s 8-step process includes: ✅ Clarify the Problem ✅ Break Down the Problem ✅ Set the Target ✅ Analyze the Root Cause ✅ Develop & Implement Countermeasures ✅ Monitor, Standardize & Share Success #Lean #LeanSixSigma #ProblemSolving #Findleansolutions

Looking to grasp the essentials of the Toyota Production System? Kaizen Express is your go-to guide—a retro throwback that offers a quick yet comprehensive overview of TPS fundamentals. Originally a Japanese learning resource, this bilingual primer introduces key lean concepts through short chapters, clear visuals, and practical advice you can implement right away. Whether you're new to lean or seeking a deeper understanding, Kaizen Express provides the foundation you need to start thinking and acting like a TPS pro. Discover how small, continuous improvements can lead to true efficiency. https://hubs.ly/Q02NfjWj0 #LeanThinking #ContinuousImprovement #Kaizen #LeanLexicon

Do you know about takt time? If no, watch the video. If yes, watch the video. It is also not just about takt time. It also shows the difference between process time and cycle time.

A growing activity in the Toyota Kata community is based on the realization that you can add some individual TK Starter Kata practice routines into activities you already do... like meetings, kaizen workshops, A3 formats, etc. We (the gang listed below) have been calling it "Add a Starter Kata." You infuse (or interlace) a little scientific-thinking practice into an existing activity. It's pretty easy to do and very cool. One of the most popular Starter Kata for doing this is the *Experimenting Record*, which people add to meetings, to the right side of their A3s, and into many other activities. The Experimenting Record Starter Kata brings PDCA to life by making you actually do PDCA, again and again, and helps turn PDCA into more of a habit. You can see the basic pattern of the Experimenting Record SK at this link: -> https://lnkd.in/gNWZ3X9T Gemma Jones has just posted a new article about the Experimenting Record and its wide range of applications. Check out Gemma's great article (click the link below), and then add this aspect of scientific thinking practice to one of your activities. And be sure to share what you are learning with us here on LinkedIn. -> https://lnkd.in/gucp4NTQ Tilo Schwarz Jennifer Snow-Boscolo Skip Steward, MBA Andrea Simpson, RT(R)(MR)(CT) Ann Hill Gemma Jones Tracy Defoe Jeffrey Liker betty gratopp Mark Rosenthal Sylvain Landry Julie Savage-Fournier, P. Eng. #AddStarterKata

If you're inviting someone to a training session or conference and you haven't watched this video, you're going to be stressed. Consider the capacity of the coffee machine and the number of participants to avoid problems and negativity :) Coffee solves everything. Coffee with LEAN solves everything without stress :) 

🚀 **Back to Basics: Lessons from the Toyota Production System (TPS)** In a world where industries are constantly evolving, it's easy to get caught up in complex strategies and lose sight of the fundamentals. The Toyota Production System (TPS) has stood the test of time by focusing on three core pillars: continuous improvement, respect for people, and deep-rooted problem-solving. Here’s why going back to the basics of TPS can make all the difference: 🔧 **Continuous Improvement**: It's about cultivating a mindset where every process, no matter how small, is always subject to refinement. By encouraging teams to ask "how can this be done better?", companies create a culture where progress is constant and innovation becomes second nature. 👥 **Human Development**: The best systems in the world mean nothing without people who are empowered to improve them. TPS places people at the heart of its philosophy, ensuring that team members have the tools, training, and trust to solve problems. Investing in your people’s growth is not an expense—it’s the foundation of sustainable success. 💡 **Problem Solving**: At the core of TPS is the ability to see problems as opportunities. This requires a mindset shift—from "who is to blame?" to "what is the root cause?" By empowering employees to engage in structured problem-solving, organizations can create systems that evolve and improve over time. For companies looking to build a culture of continuous improvement and human development, TPS offers a roadmap. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about building the habits that lead to long-term success. Let's get back to basics and build organizations that thrive on solving problems and developing people. Below is one of the fundamental concepts from TPS: the standardized work combination table. #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #PDCA #quality #problemsolving

The basics of standardized work will help companies far beyond most of their competition! #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #Toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #PDCA #kaizen #quality #problemsolving

How should we communicate Lean in 2024? Anelia Mancheva and I had so much fun putting together this short video about takt time last week during the annual meeting of the Lean Global Network. The challenge we gave ourselves was “how do we communicate concepts that are normally found in books to a world that is binging on TikTok?”. We made this video in just over two hours, with no resources but with the extraordinary participation of our LGN colleagues (Anelia, however, is clearly the star of the production). It’s not meant to be perfect, but we hope it might resonate with the Lean Community. So, in the spirit of learning together, I ask you, dear lean audience… what do you think? All feedback is welcome. Who said lean is boring? We can have fun while learning (and yes, we don’t always need to take ourselves too seriously). #lean #learning #education