True North Thinking Inc.’s Post

🚀 **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

If you need some help to develop your own company's TRUE NORTH vision for management philosophy, start here.... Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada's (TMMC) original mission statement and management philosophy, with a focus on: 1. Mutual Understanding 2. Transfer of Knowledge / Experience 3. Self-Enlightenment / Self-Development 4. Problem Solving 5. Base Decisions on Confirmed Facts 6. Planning is the Key to Success 7. Containing Costs Should be Uppermost in Our Work 8. Foster Good Employee Relations This is a blueprint for the future development of the Toyota Way (in 2001), and represents a recognition that people are a central component of success. Much wisdom from Mr. Iwabuchi. #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TPS #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #quality #problemsolving #PDCA

[From the Archives!] Part three of a four part series from the shop floor from Matt Elson. In this episode of Kaizen 101, we cover how you shouldn't wait to make an improvement. In this case, the team makes changes before the shift starts vs waiting for a long lead-time, "planned" activity. #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #quality #PDCA #problemsolving https://lnkd.in/gNuCDPPV

[From the Archives!] Part three of a four part series from the shop floor from Matt Elson. In this episode of Kaizen 101, we cover how a process that has been stabilized and standardized needs MORE front line leadership, not less. #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #quality #PDCA #problemsolving https://lnkd.in/gg-bMKgi

[From the Archives!] Part two of a four part series from the shop floor from Matt Elson. In this episode of Kaizen 101, we cover the concept of using basic smoothing techniques in production (heijunka). #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #quality #PDCA #problemsolving https://lnkd.in/gum5nyC9

[From the Archives!] Part one of a four part series from the shop floor from Matt Elson. In this episode of Kaizen 101, we cover the concept of being rough & ready vs waiting for perfection. #TPS #toyotaproductionsystem #toyotaway #TnTkaizen #continuousimprovement #processimprovement #peopledevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #kaizen #quality #PDCA #problemsolving https://lnkd.in/g5ZM-heA