Creating a Lean Culture, 3rd Edition

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Chapter 7

Learning Lean Management:

The Sensei and Gemba Walks

The principal elements of the Lean management system do not seem to be

complex or difficult to understand. Yet they represent the rocks on which so

many Lean initiatives have run aground. Why?

Part of the answer involves discipline, certainly. But, another part of the

answer involves a teaching and learning model for Lean and Lean manage-

ment, and how to be a Lean manager.

Lean’s classic master-apprentice teaching and learning model has long

proved effective with leaders in tactical positions, those responsible for and

familiar with day-to-day operations (and Lean leaders respons