Month: December 2020

There is a tradition in the lean world that compels people to pay knowledge forward. This wonderful habit recognises that we have all been coached and moulded by others along the way, so to pass on our wisdom, is only right. It also recognises that we are just temporary custodians of our knowledge. To gift this know-how to others ensures that our lean traditions can be sustained and improved. There is something of the ancient oral tradition in all story-tellers of lean.

This selfless gifting of knowledge is the primary feeling that I got from “The Toyota Engagement Equation” by Tracey and Ernie Richardson.

One only has to search #sketchedwisdom on LinkedIn to appreciate just how much the Richardsons’ contribute to the lean community – and they do this for one reason only – because they care deeply about the topic in which they are both experts.

If you are coming to this book to learn about lean tools, you may find other books to better suit your purpose, for this is not a textbook.

What Tracey and Ernie have tackled here is the deep, organic understanding and culture that made Toyota so successful. The communication of the incommunicable would seem to be a daunting task, but here, it has been achieved with disarming charm and ease.

The book is tightly structured. There is nothing superfluous or redundant. As a book it is highly waste-free since it flows with stories, rather than explanatory text. I found myself making many notes of things I could take away and, I humbly say that I learned a great deal, for which I have much gratitude.

As I am humble in learning, Tracey and Ernie have humility in teaching – recognising that they are still on their personal learning journey. This quality makes the book a joy to read, like having your own coach in TPS. Learning and the gift of reflection are offered in abundance.

Whenever I feel that I am approaching a level of relative expertise in lean topics, it is rewarding to read a book like “The Toyota Engagement Equation.” The words will undoubtedly echo deep into and inspire my 2021 – I hope you can come along with me on this blog.

I can genuinely recommend that you read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it a will, no doubt, read it many times again.

Thank you, Tracey and Ernie.

As this is going to be my last post of 2020 (and what a year it has been), I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my visitors a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New-Year.

Much gratitude to you all.

Simon D. Gary is the author of Super Lean – Unlock Your Company’s Million Dollar Edge.

This new book opens the discussion on the very future of lean business, team development and respect for people. Further details are available here.

If I were to sum up “2 Second Lean” by Paul Akers in one word, that word would be “passion.”

So, Paul Akers is passionate about lean?

Yes…only it’s more than that.

Paul Akers being passionate about lean is not the input; it is the output. The author’s passion for lean stems from his burning desire to give value to all of those around him, his fellow business owners, his customers and his employees.

He is passionate about lean because it is the best way to show his love and respect for people.

Some lean books, let’s admit it, can be a bit of a grind. Akers writes with the brightness that imbues his every waking moment. The text is light, humble and packed with impactful gems of wisdom. There are no complex graphics, tables, nor calculations, nor are there are detailed tool descriptions, theories, and action plans. There is, however, oodles of joyous enthusiasm which, as it turns out, is more than enough.

Akers message is the simple realisation that all people are valuable and, as such, does it make sense for them to work in, or pay for waste?

The book is also packed with QR codes for just a small, but telling sample of the videos on the FastCap public YouTube channel – which are freely shared with generosity and warmth. The book also contains great reflection questions at the end of each chapter, giving the work a real vitality.

“2 Second Lean” is not a textbook that looks to stretch your knowledge, no. This book is a continuous call to action, almost unlike any lean book that I have ever read. You can practically hear Paul in your ear saying:

“Why are you still reading this? Why aren’t you up and doing something? Start with you and start by fixing something that gets on your nerves! And don’t let perfect get in the way of better!”

I am only sorry that it has taken me over a decade of working in lean to finally read this book. Whether you are a seasoned professional, or a welcome friend taking their first steps, I would urge you to read “2 Second Lean” at your earliest convenience.

An easy 5 Stars.

Simon was reading the new, Shingo Award-winning third edition, with five additional chapters.

Follow this easy link to obtain your copy of “2 Second Lean.”

Simon D. Gary is the author of the new book “Super Lean: Unlock Your Company’s Million-Dollar Edge.” The book opens up the lean discussion into how to truly uncover the latent potential of the wonderful people in your team. It is available on Amazon and through this link.