Michael Ballé

An organic metaphor of the organization to truly grasp lean

FeaturesDec 15, 2016

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: before others, lean experts should heal themselves

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.

Michael Ballé on the gemba cardinal sins hindering kaizen

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!

Can lean support strategy as much as it does operations?

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

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.

Ballé: lean thinking is the only way to become adaptive

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.

Michael Ballé on helping lean thinking and kaizen take root

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.

Is lean management more conservative or progressive?

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.

Why respect for people and lean are the only way forward

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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.

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Michael Ballé

An organic metaphor of the organization to truly grasp lean

Ballé: before others, lean experts should heal themselves

Michael Ballé on the gemba cardinal sins hindering kaizen

Can lean support strategy as much as it does operations?

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

Ballé: lean thinking is the only way to become adaptive

Michael Ballé on helping lean thinking and kaizen take root

Is lean management more conservative or progressive?

Why respect for people and lean are the only way forward

Business growth, human growth

Still Toyota? What about Volkswagen?

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

Michael Ballé on rewards and recognition in a lean company

Michael Ballé on why lean thinking makes cost-cutting smart

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