06/30/10 by Ankit Patel | emotional intelligence, how to start lean, lean |

  I came across an article that talks about how emotional intelligence is used in the implementation of lean. CIBA is specialty chemical company whose Italian office decided to go Lean. The main difference in their transformation that’s normally not done is the focus on the organizations emotional intelligence and…

03/02/10 by Ankit Patel | how to start lean |

During my latest trip to one of my favorite stores Trader Joe’s I got to experience their bell system. There is only 1 or two dedicated checkout lanes and then when demand increases the bell is run 1x alerting more people to the front each time. Ring it 2x and…

03/01/10 by Ankit Patel | how to start lean, small and medium business |

Traditionally Lean is rooted in the operations side of the business. In larger businesses this is a great place to look to start a Lean transformation but what about in small and medium businesses? Sales and marketing are an excellent place to improve business. In small and medium businesses just…

02/15/10 by Ankit Patel | how to start lean, modeling lean, starting lean |

Many people approach me and say that Lean works great in manufacturing but it won’t work in my industry. I simply reply do you want to serve your customer better and remove waste from your business while making your employees happier and more productive? They usually answer yes but they…

02/08/10 by Ankit Patel | how to start lean, veterinary clinic |

I recently made a comment on the Linkedin group Lean Learning Center when asked how to start lean in a non manufacturing setting. I am currently implementing lean in a vet clinic and I wanted to share some of the findings. and to get your thoughts. The very first thing…

01/26/10 by Ankit Patel | how to start lean |

You might think “what about sloth, isn’t that the same thing?” Sloth refers to activity levels. Being comfortable means you are happy where you are and don’t change. I played judo for a few years and I had a great coach one time tell me if you want to submit…

01/21/10 by Ankit Patel | how to start lean, thinking thursday |

Thank you to those who responded to yesterday’s wiki. If you didn’t get a chance or want to expand on your thoughts please post them to the comments. Yesterday’s wiki post: “How do you influence an organization to start “Lean” in some shape or form outside of manufacturing?” The wiki…