HOWE Q. WALLACE BLOG

The Importance of a Strong Start in Lean Operations

β€œWho is late will be punished by life.” – Werner Herzog

When it comes to being Lean, we can have no better habit than starting on time and well.

When the workday starts, every person must be in place with machinery ready to run and material prepared for processing. If any of the three aren’t ready, multiple people stand around and wait. That kind of waste sets the tone for the day.

Having all three in place also gives us an opportunity for a β€œgreat first hour.” Through years of experience, I’ve noticed that the best teams consistently start well every day. They set the tone by getting good results early. Establishing momentum early creates the opportunity for a great day.

A good team can overcome a slow start. But a slow start often leads to mediocre or poor performance.

If you aren’t happy with how your team is performing, examine how you are starting at the beginning of the day and when you return from breaks. Make improvements there. It will show results.

-Howe Q. Wallace Jr