Michael Ballé

lean tree ballé

An organic metaphor of the organization to truly grasp lean

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FeaturesDec 15, 2016
Michael Ballé
FEATURE – We are used to seeing the organization as a mechanical entity, but how can a machine possible change and improve? We must change our mental model and learn to see the lean enterprise as a growing plant.
ballé lean experts

Ballé: before others, lean experts should heal themselves

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FeaturesAug 1, 2016
Michael Ballé
FEATURE – The role of experts in lean thinking is often the subject of heated discussions. Here, Michael Ballé tells us about the common mistakes lean experts make, and explains why – before helping others – they should help themselves.
gemba seven sins

Michael Ballé on the gemba cardinal sins hindering kaizen

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FeaturesMay 5, 2016
Michael Ballé
FEATURE – What are the immediate signs that tell us that our workplace is not conducive to kaizen? The author draws on his experience as a coach at the gemba to highlight them. Look out for them in your own company!
lean thinking strategy

Can lean support strategy as much as it does operations?

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FeaturesFeb 2, 2016
Michael Ballé
FEATURE – Does lean management help us at strategic level as much as it does operationally? What’s the strategic thinking behind lean thinking? Michael Ballé answers these questions by looking back at some of history’s great military strategists.

Michael Ballé identifies a set of lean management values to live by

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FeaturesOct 13, 2015
Michael Ballé
FEATURE ARTICLE – If we see lean thinking as a paradigm, which we do, then we should be able to define a set of values this paradigm is built on. So, are there lean ethics? Michael Ballé identifies 10 undisputed lean values, plus one.
lean leadership change ballé

Ballé: lean thinking is the only way to become adaptive

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FeaturesJun 25, 2015
Michael Ballé
ARTICLE - Michael Ballé shares a few thoughts on leadership and respect for people, and tells us why lean management is the only way to make adaptive change a way of life.
learning kaizen sustainability

Michael Ballé on helping lean thinking and kaizen take root

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FeaturesMar 31, 2015
Michael Ballé
ARTICLE - Organizing for learning is critical to sustaining your kaizen efforts and improving your company. Choose the right managers, make sure they can self-develop and develop others, and help lean to take root.
lean thinking politics

Is lean management more conservative or progressive?

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ColumnsJan 29, 2015
Michael Ballé
COLUMN - In political terms, is lean management more in line with conservative principles or progressive ideas? Michael Ballé reflects on a tough question.
lean management respect for people

Why respect for people and lean are the only way forward

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FeaturesJan 12, 2015
Michael Ballé
ARTICLE - Mission creep, silos and a disengaged workforce are some of the negative effects of traditional management. Michael Ballé offers an alternative based on the respect for people principle of lean thinking.

Business growth, human growth

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ColumnsJul 3, 2014
Michael Ballé
FEATURE - In his latest article, the author explains why pursuing human growth as part of our lean efforts is meaningless until we fully master our pull systems.

Still Toyota? What about Volkswagen?

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ColumnsJun 5, 2014
Michael Ballé
COLUMN - Michael Ballé on why Toyota still inspires him in a way that no other organization can, and on the lessons lean thinkers can learn from the two most successful carmakers.

What happens in our people’s minds as lean takes root

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ColumnsMay 1, 2014
Michael Ballé
COLUMN - What does lean do for people in your organization? This column explores how their way of thinking changes as a culture of continuous improvement and problem solving takes root.

Michael Ballé on rewards and recognition in a lean company

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FeaturesApr 3, 2014
Michael Ballé
FEATURE - The author addresses the ongoing debate on rewards and recognition, explaining how an optimal relationship between team members, team leaders and group leaders will influence motivation.

Michael Ballé on why lean thinking makes cost-cutting smart

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ColumnsFeb 16, 2014
Michael Ballé
FEATURE - What is the relationship between lean thinking and cost-cutting? Here's why you should focus on improvements as opposed to slashing a budget.

Can a company be considered lean if improvements result in layoffs?

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FeaturesJan 27, 2014
Michael Ballé
ARTICLE - Can a company be considered lean if its improvement efforts result in layoffs? The author answers this frequently asked question drawing from his own experience dealing with organizations.