54 THETOYOTAWAYFIELDBOOK
Reflect and Learn from the Process- Before you begin your waste reduction journey, take time to
assess the potential challenges you will face compared to the
potential rewards of success. Don’t make the mistake of count-
ing only the rewards. The road to riches is filled with many
obstacles.
a. Carefully consider potential financial gains (see Lean
Thinking in Table 5-1 on page 89, Table 6-1 on page 118,
Table 7-1 on page 138 and Table 8-1 on page 179 for esti-
mates of potential gains). Develop a five-year financial
statement that reflects the potential financial rewards and
opportunities for growth.
b. In every company there is a link between the employees,
the customers, and the company. Employees who feel a
sense of purpose and belonging are more fulfilled, and this
will affect customer service and ultimately company per-
formance. It is difficult to measure these items (the so called
soft side benefits) from a direct financial standpoint.
i. Identify at least two other potential benefits of imple-
menting the Toyota Way that are not financial in
nature.
ii. What are the likely longer term financial benefits
that will come from these nonfinancial benefits?
iii. What are the specific challenges of attaining these
benefits?
c. Reflect on the biggest personal challenge you will face
on this journey. What personal changes will you need to
make?
d. Reflect on your organization in terms of philosophy. Does
long-term thinking exist or will you need to make changes?
i. Identify specific changes that will need to be made.
Incorporate action items into your lean journey plan
(at least a five-year plan).
ii. How will you avoid the “flavor of the month” syn-
drome? - Will the culture of your company support your waste reduction
efforts?
a. Identify the three strongest aspects of your culture in terms
of cooperation, creativity, perseverance, communication,
energy, commitment, vision, team spirit, and so forth.
b. How can you leverage each of these strengths?