We’re frequently asked about how to begin and lead an enterprise-wide lean transformation. Below is an excerpt from an actual email (with names and company specifics removed) in reply to an inquiry by the president of a Fortune 500 company. She was newly appointed as the executive sponsor for her division’s “Lean Enterprise Transformation”, and asked us: “What’s critical for the success of our transformation?”

Our reply (part 1 of 6):

1. Make no little plans. If you do choose Lean Enterprise Transformation, choose it powerfully. There’s no room for ambiguity- don’t equivocate or delegate. As a senior executive and leader, make a strong high-profile decision: set breakthrough rather than incremental goals; assign your best resources; drive aggressive milestone dates; be open to outside help; and stay personally engaged. Your objectives should be well communicated, unequivocal, measurable, and have a time limit.

(Links to part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6)