Chapter 2

The Foundation and Language of Lean

In This Chapter

arrow Understanding the foundation of Lean

arrow Learning Lean terms and expressions

arrow Identifying waste

If you’ve ever closely watched an elite professional — an athlete, actor, or artist — perform their craft, you’re amazed by how natural and effortless they make it seem. Sometimes, what they do just doesn’t seem humanly possible — just ask any weekend golfer or home do-it-yourselfer. What these professionals will tell you is not only how long it’s taken them to achieve their status, but also that they’re never done — they can always get better.

When you undertake a Lean journey, at first it may feel like you’re trying to become a ballet dancer or an auto racer. It’s new, different, and uncomfortable. The practices may seem strange or even counterintuitive. But with time, education, disciplined application and understanding, you’ll become a Lean professional. To start your Lean journey, in this chapter you’ll learn about its principles and unique terms.

Understanding Lean Basics

Chapter 1 explains the context of Lean: what it is, where it came from, and how closely aligned it is with the Toyota Production System (TPS). As you come ...

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