Toyota Kata: A Better Approach to Developing a Lean Culture

We recently held a Lean Leadership training program in Orange County, California.  One of the key topics we covered was the improvement kata, developed by Mike Rother.  We feel that this methodology is a key to spreading and teaching lean thinking throughout an organization.  The concept involves utilizing a routine of practicing A3 Problem Solving (or Toyota Business Practices) utilizing 5 key questions that a coach or mentor asks his/her learner/mentee.   In the following video, a student describes the improvement kata: