Standards should not be forced down from above but rather set by the production workers themselves.
Taiichi OhnoRead
The key to the Toyota Way and what makes Toyota stand out is not any of the individual elements…But what is important is having all the elements together as a system. It must be practiced every day in a very consistent manner, not in spurts.
Interpretation
The essence of the Toyota Way lies in the integration of its components as a cohesive system rather than isolated practices.
In this quote, Taiichi Ohno emphasizes that the strength and uniqueness of the Toyota Way stem from the harmonious combination of its various elements. He suggests that successful implementation requires a commitment to consistent daily practice rather than intermittent efforts. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, highlighting the importance of systemic thinking in effective leadership.
In practice
In a business seminar discussing effective management strategies.
Standards should not be forced down from above but rather set by the production workers themselves.
The slower but consistent tortoise causes less waste and is more desirable than the speedy hare that races ahead and then stops occasionally to doze. The Toyota Production System can be realized only when all the workers become tortoises.
Where there is no Standard there can be no Kaizen
I’m proud to be Japanese and I wanted my country to succeed. I believed my system was a way that could help us become a modern industrial nation. That is why I had no problem with sharing it with other Japanese companies, even my biggest competitors.
Great teams argue. Not in a mean-spirited or personal way, but they disagree when important decisions are made.
I've seen it again and again in my consulting: Most teams are too large to be innovative, despite their leaders' best intentions.
I have found a unique opportunity to distinguish myself and to learn my trade. I am a general officer in the army of the United States of America. My zeal in their cause and my frankness have won their trust.
I kind of do not like the word chef. Chef, giving you a sense of hierarchy and power. To be a good cook and to be a good leader, it has to come from within and to understand others.
Our words, actions, and diplomatic efforts should be aimed at trying to achieve pragmatic goals rather than creating rhetorical effect.
People look at me and see a calm, cool guy on the sidelines and I want them to know that my Christian faith affects my coaching and everything I do.
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