When is it really necessary to implement Lean and change people’s mindsets?

It’s hard to believe that Lean can change a mindset. People have habits and mindsets which are difficult to change. They believe that if something works then somehow that’s good enough. If it gets worse or breaks down, then they will fix it. People still believe the old saying “we’ve always done it this way, and it works”! This is relevant to both your work and your private life.

In your view when do people realize that there’s a problem? In advance? No, they only see the problem when it occurs as they don’t pay attention to the small signs. A machine or a printer can be broken, just as a relationship or a marriage can. If people don’t foresee the potential problem in advance and don’t take preventive action, then they are shocked when the problem finally occurs. Things are often left for so long that the problem can’t be solved and it has a really adverse effect on them. Lean mindset and tools help you to prevent big problems by being both cautious and open, identifying small problems quickly, taking action and finding root causes to avoid bigger problems. Every problem is an opportunity but you need to have a mindset to appreciate it.