340 THETOYOTAWAYFIELDBOOK
Reflect and Learn from the Process
Identify and select a problem you want to solve and use to reflect
upon in Chapters 14 through 18. The problem should be signifi-
cant, but not one of the most difficult problems you have. We sug-
gest learning the problem-solving process on simpler issues before
tackling more difficult ones.
- Gather facts related to the problem and define the problem
according to these criteria:
a. Display the actual performance history (at least six months)
in a line graph format.
b. Show the goal or standard (current and/or in the future).
c. Identify the gap between the actual performance and the
goal.
- Consider the information that you believe depicts your problem.
a. Are you sure you have identified the “true problem”?
b. Can you make a connection directly to a safety, quality,
delivery, productivity, or cost performance measure?
- Clarify the significance of solving this problem.
a. Identify other issues related to this problem (items affected
by this problem). Quantify them by graphing them.
b. Can you verify that it is important to “pick up this prob-
lem”?
c. Quantify the value of solving this problem (don’t spend
a dollar to solve a five-cent problem).
d. Is it worth your time or the time of others to solve this
problem?
e. How much do you want to invest in solving this problem?
- Based on your value quantification in the previous question,
determine the most cost effective method to proceed with the
problem.
a. Will you “work the problem” personally?
b. Will you delegate the problem to others and only follow
up?
c. Will this problem require a large team, small team, or a
single individual to solve it?
