In December 2019 the Lean Thinker quoted ‘If you don’t have a clear expectation of what ‘good’ looks like then your definition of ‘not good’ is subjective and varies depending on who, what and when things are being looked at.’
Determining ‘normal’ (or ‘good’) seems basic yet it is often not done well. It is at the core of Mr Kato’s quote in the intro paragraph and, when addressed as the very first step in workplace standardisation, sets up success.
Further, a work standard perhaps should be considered a hypothesis; thinking this way will help develop a ‘community of scientists’ (reference: Decoding the DNA of the TPS. 1999. Spear and Bowen) rather than a ‘what’s wrong’ culture.
We will guide you through the three typical stages of building capability – awareness and knowledge → initial practice → learn by doing (your workplace).
Purpose and Emphasis
| Stage | In brief | Objectives | Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two hours with practice. | Build awareness and knowledge of work standards and the Step Up Reference Model. | ‘Normal’ clearly defined is the foundational aim of a work standard; three main types; sequence of work standard development. |
| 1 | Two hours with practice. | Further knowledge, sufficient practice for starting work standard development in your workplace. | ‘Normal’ clearly defined is the foundational aim of a work standard; consideration of a hypothesis; trust. |
| 2 | Minimum six mentoring sessions. | In a selected area of your workplace apply three main types of work standards. | Apply principles and practice – learn by doing. |