In these hard Economic times that we are all facing many companies are turning to Lean Manufacturing in an attempt to save their company. This is a proven method of eliminating wasted time and materials, thereby improving the bottom line. But, as with anything, there are problems that arise and can derail your efforts. I would like to address one of those problems.

     There is NO Vision.

     To undertake lean manufacturing without having a Vision of where you are going and what you are attempting to do is a waste of time simply because there will be no interest, you have to do it, there will be no enthusiasm. Without these two elements there will be complacency.

     The CEO, or President, must have a vision. Lean manufacturing is a tool that can assist you in moving your Company ever forward to your goal, your vision. More than likely someone that has experience in Lean Manufacturing will be hired to take on the leadership of this project. But the job of the President or CEO has just started.

     A vision must be communicated to the people involved in assisting you in bring it about. Since it is a given fact that no one knows everything you must surround yourself with people that know the things you don't. But in order for them to be effective in bringing your vision to reality you must spell it out in clear and concise terms. While authority may be delegated to others you are the one in charge of all aspects of the different programs that will be started. You, the one with the Vision, are responsible.

     As previously stated you may use a 5s program to set you on a path to Lean manufacturing. While it is a good program and will work there are dangers to be avoided.

     Clean up. paint up and organize are the three key steps in the 5s program. There will be a lot of money invested, a lot of time invested in this program. The problem is that you and your employees can become so caught up in implementing the 5s program that they lose sight of the vision itself and production and quality suffer because of it. It is easy to see progress as trash and old machines are removed. Floors cleaned and painted always point to prgress. But you are in business to produce a product, not painted floors and machines. New machines being brought in always elevates the excitement in any plant. But new jobs is what puts money in the bank.

     Lean Manufacturing and the 5s program are tools that will enable you to realize your dream, your vision. But they are nothing but tools to be used. Do not lose sight of your vision.

     Meetings that are held with upper and middle mangement people should always be held with an agenda in front of them. As president and/or CEO you must set the tone and direction of all meetings. There are other people that, while they will assist you in obtaining your vision, they have an agenda of their own. As president or CEO you must be ever vigilant of this fact.

     Problems and projects should be assigned with a timeline for completion and followed up with progress reports. They report to you, you do not report to them.

     Projects that are started, such as safety tours are continued on a timely basis not just for the first two weeks.

     As President you are ultimately the one that is held accountable. As such you are the one that directs and sets the tone for ALL employees. Most people will follow a leader. That is something that works in your favor only if YOU lead.