Operational Excellence

Are You Driving Your Company Lean Management System to Maximize Value?

By Michael Serena, Ed.D.

June 8, 2018

The strength of your company’s lean management system determines your improvement culture and the depth of its impact.

To maximize your return on investment, your company’s lean management system —your everyday management practices and behavior— has to support your improvement efforts. Many manufacturers have adopted lean tools without embracing the corresponding management practices and behaviors that drive change and consistently deliver results that matter to the business.

This article examines what it takes to create a culture of excellence through leadership engagement and a behavior-based management system. We explore the management practices and behaviors that provide the foundation for steady performance improvements and meaningful return on investment.

We then talked to the operations leaders at Carlisle FoodService Products, Inc. to get direct insights into their priorities, behaviors, challenges, and best practices for implementing a lean management system that engages associates and drives results.

Download the article to learn about:

  • What does an effective Company Lean Management System look like?
  • Four reasons why managers fail to adopt the behaviors that support a lean management system.
  • How to change the management paradigm.
  • How we use the TBM Diagnostic Assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses of a company’s Lean Management System.
  • How the TBM Management System helped one organization to succeed—and what they did differently to make it work.
  • How to establish a baseline for behavioral change.
  • What steps you can take to ensure that the right management practices and behaviors are adopted in your organization.

 

TBM Consulting Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do lean management systems fail to deliver maximum value in many organizations?
Lean management systems often fail to deliver maximum value because they are implemented mechanically rather than actively led. The article explains that organizations may establish visual boards, meetings, or metrics but fail to reinforce them through consistent leadership behaviors. Without disciplined follow‑through and accountability, the system becomes routine reporting instead of a tool for driving action and improvement.
What distinguishes a lean management system that creates real business value?
A value‑creating lean management system is one that drives daily decision‑making and problem‑solving. The article emphasizes that effective systems make performance gaps visible in real time, clarify ownership, and ensure issues are addressed at the root cause. Rather than focusing on compliance with the system itself, high‑performing organizations use lean management to actively manage execution and prioritize what matters most.
How can leaders drive a lean management system to sustain and maximize results?
Leaders maximize results by staying personally engaged in the lean management system. The article highlights visible leadership presence, asking the right questions, and consistently following up on actions as critical behaviors. When leaders use the system to coach teams, reinforce priorities, and remove barriers, the lean management system becomes a powerful engine for sustained performance improvement and value creation.

Meet the Expert

Michael Serena, Ed.D.

Michael Serena, Ed.D.

Email Michael
Mike Serena is TBM’s go-to expert regarding site and corporate cultural transition and curriculum development. He led the creation of TBM’s process for Daily Management. He is currently Vice President, Consulting where he leads several client engagements and oversees delivery team development.

Topics in this Post

Download

Explore More Resources

Management System + Operational Leadership

Operational Excellence

Private Equity Operational Due Diligence + Value Creation

Smartphone showing TBM LinkedIn screen with “Connect to Opportunity” and sign-in options.

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.

Don’t miss industry expert insights.

Join a community committed to excellence.