Lean Lament: "Lean Out" This, Boeing December 1, 2009
Posted by Jeff Fuchs in lean, Lean Thinking.Tags: culture, lean, Lean Thinking
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The term “lean” unfortunately carries some baggage. And misconceptions. Kevin Meyer at the Evolving Excellence blog focuses on a particular phrase: “lean out”. He quotes the article that recently used the term:
[Boeing VP of Business Strategy Mike] Bair called the Renton plant a “lean enterprise,” indicating Boeing plans to transfer the lessons learned to lean out the 737 production to Everett.
“Lean out” conjures up laying off people. It makes people think of “downsizing”, “right-sizing”, and other ways of saving money by body count. But these are incorrect interpretations of what is at the heart of a lean transformation. Meyer notes that lean aims to reduce waste, but more importantly that “recognition of brainpower is what real lean is about. Leveraging, not minimizing, the second pillar of lean, respect for people. Leveraging the power of human experience, creativity, and knowledge.”
Perhaps some fact-checking is in order. Either for the media that reports on lean, or for leaders who implement it.
For the post, click here.
Agreed, The word lean often carries misconceptions with it. In fact, people often think Lean means–Getting more done with less people, when in reality it’s getting more done with less materials, or achieving more value through your processes.
Lean like you said, is actually about respect for people and leveraging the incredible power you have through your workers.