Management Tools Vs. Management Philosophy – Lean Management

Implementing a management philosophy as a management tool is more likely to fail than succeed.

This article is part of a multi-part series on the subject. Link to the initial blog – The Difference Between Management Tools And Management Philosophies

This essay aims to contrast Lean as a management philosophy with Lean as a management tool. It is crucial to comprehend this distinction for an effective, competent, and enduring implementation.

Lean management as a philosophy has many tools enumerated. I shall elaborate on each of these tools in future articles:

• Value Stream Mapping
• 7 Wastes
• 5S
• Just-In-Time
• Jidoka
• Kaizen Events
• TQM etc.,

But these are just a means to an end. 

The philosophy of Lean is to eliminate waste to provide more value to the customer. It is a way of thinking about work and problem-solving that puts the customer first.

On the other hand, Lean management as a tool is often implemented top-down with the primary goal of cost reduction. Lean tools are used to streamline processes and make them more efficient. They are excellent at what they do, but they are not Lean Philosophy.

So, for example, 5S is a philosophy, not a tool. It requires a mindset, lifestyle, and philosophical change in how you do things. But most of the time, companies get their employees trained in five hours to be implemented as a management tool, and despite all the training, it doesn't work.

The distinction between Lean as a philosophy and Lean as a tool is vital because one without the other will not lead to lasting success. Lean principles must guide the Lean tools for a culture of continuous improvement. And Lean tools must be used in order to make the Lean philosophy a reality.

The two are not mutually exclusive – they are two sides of the same coin. But it is essential to understand the difference to apply Lean management in your organization adequately.

Lean management is a journey, not a destination. Lean tools will help you along the way, but the Lean philosophy will sustain you in the long run. 

At Vineet Sethi Consulting, we believe that Business and People are two sides of the same coin. Our approach to transforming organizations, teams, and individuals is based on Standard Customization, stemming from the philosophy that no one size fits all.

Contact us at hello@vineetsethi.com or on our social media channels for more information.

(Picture credits: Pexels)

---