Continuing Journey: Stewardship and Useful Case Studies in Philanthropy Book

I really was off put by the title "Going Lean" and held of listening to the audio version. Too many times I hear expressions like this this (make us lean is another similar phrase) and it generally shows a misunderstanding of lean principles. I was pleasantly surprised that this book was not about flipping a switch and suddenly you "go lean".

Going lean is actually one of the better Management Level books I have read (listened to) on how to drive the lean philosophy (referred to as Lean Dynamics) throughout your organization.

I love the comparisons to great companies (mainly Toyota, Southwest & Wal-Mart). The book stresses that you cannot simply try to copy their model (something that Liker stresses in his great book Toyota Way) or you will fail. Rather you have to use the tools to design the path that is best for your organization.

There is a great section where a small retailer of sporting goods not only doesn't fear for their security when a big box opens, it actually thrives and intentionally opens stores in the shadows of the Juggernaut that is Wal-mart.

One other thing I really like about this book is the fact that the author give references to other things to read. (Goldratt's The Goal, Smith's Wealth of Nations among other's). He also doesn't shy away or "poo-poo" other improvement ideas such as six sigma, theory of constraints or quality circles. He gives a brief history of improvement including Smith's division of work, Taylor's scientific management, and Dr. Deming's philosophies.