Over years of listening to people describe their work, one single word has surfaced repeatedly as a barometer of what is frequently called “culture.” The use of the word “they” in conversation gives me insight into an organization’s ability to engage employees and sustain improvement.

The technical aspects of lean I can observe primarily with my eyes:
• The flow of material and information
• The stability, repeatability, and clarity of work
• Adherence to standards
• Alignment of resources to strategic objectives

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