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:

Lean Problem Solving

EMS Consulting Group's September newsletter is out. In it, we talk about one of the key elements of lean implementation: creating a problem solving culture. At Toyota, bringing problems to the surface and solving those problems to their root causes are key elements to successfully providing the customer with the best quality products at the right time. In our latest newsletter, we talk about how to create a culture that fosters such activities. To check it out, visit: http://www.emsstrategies.com/newsletter090109.htm