Lean organisations seem to work in a simple manner and operate with an innate calmness. They have removed much of the complexity that inhibits the performance of other companies, but achieving this level of simplicity is not easy. In The Simplicity of Lean, Philip Holt provides a comprehensive handbook of the Lean principles, presented in an accessible and easy to apply manner.
The Simplicity of Lean is a step-by-step guide to the Lean Thinking that makes your organisation more efficient and effective. The book offers the necessary context of how to apply Lean Thinking to make your Lean Transformation successful. Alongside the theory and the practical application of Lean, Philip also shares his personal insights and experiences, as well as individual success stories (and failures) from various Lean leaders from across the world.
The Simplicity of Lean is the perfect guide to make your Lean journey a resounding success.
Philip Holt is Senior Vice President, Global Transformation, at GKN Aerospace and a Board Member of the Operational Excellence Society. He studied Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University and Management at the Wharton School of Pennsylvania and the University of Warwick, was an engineer at Gillette and led the Lean Deployment worldwide at Philips for over twelve years. He achieved Lean Master status and has summarised his 30+ years of experience and insights into Lean Leadership in his previous book Leading with Lean and his most recent book, The Simplicity of Lean.
"A powerful and versatile array of management tools, presented in a context that connects with the realities of daily operations, both technical and interpersonal. Philip doesn't just give you the tools, he gives you a framework for introducing these tools to the people who will use and sustain them. The Simplicity of Lean will enable you to overcome the complex challenges that all organizations face in creating a better future for your company, its customers and your community."
Collin McLoughlin - Author of True Kaizen, Founder of Enna, an imprint of Productivity Press
"The Simplicity of Lean is an ideal companion for the Lean Practitioner. Written in a very personal manner, it addresses the four key elements necessary to put a lean culture in place. Gems of personal insight and reflection will make this a thought provoking read for both experienced and novice Lean Practitioners."
Jon Tudor - Managing Director, True North Excellence and former President, Association for Manufacturing Excellence (UK)
"Philip has written a practical book about the why and how of Lean, a simple model for consistent growth and continuous improvement. I actually wish he had written this book before I started my Lean learning journey. It will be a great help to anyone embarked on the learning curve, full of practical and applicable lessons and complemented with Hansei reflection space. Lean makes life easier, especially when under Philip's guidance. Who does not need a little simplicity these days to ensure that we can focus on the things that matter, like growth and innovation?"
Simone Noordegraaf - CEO of iPEC Coaching Europe and Executive Coach
"With The Simplicity of Lean, Philip has created a comprehensive overview of the fundamental thinking behind Lean, as well as how to apply the lean tools in a pragmatic way. A very useful guide to jump-start your Lean journey or a good refresher for people who are already underway"
Hans van't Riet - VP, Tranformation Leader & Head of Implementation Competence Centre, Philips
"Organisational transformation is notoriously difficult to achieve and even harder to sustain, not least due to the complexity of the myriad human factors involved. In The Simplicity of Lean, Philip addresses some of the key elements of a successful Lean Transformation, from expectations to leaders' beliefs. The book contains some real gems, focused on people issues, making it an excellent guide to the technical and social application of Lean."
David Bovis - Managing Director, Duxinaroe Ltd and Business Consulting Associate Director, Grant Thornton LLP
"In The Simplicity of Lean, Philip provides a powerful and versatile array of management tools. Most importantly however, these tools are presented in a context that connects with the realities of daily operations, both technical and interpersonal. Philip doesn't just give you the tools, he gives you a framework for introducing these tools to the people who will use and sustain them. He accomplishes this through both thought experiments and real personal stories from the Gemba. Understanding "The Simplicity of Lean" will enable you to overcome the complex challenges that all organisations face in creating a better future for your company, its customers and your community."
Collin McLoughlin - Author of True Kaizen, Founder of Enna, an imprint of Productivity Press
"The Simplicity of Lean is an ideal companion for the Lean Practitioner. Written in a very personal manner, it addresses the four key elements necessary to put a lean culture in place. Based on experiences in both manufacturing and office based activity, it educates the reader on the core devices within each of these key elements. Gems of personal insight and reflection will make this a thought provoking read for both experienced and novice Lean Practitioners. Before you lead with Lean, you first need to understand the fundamentals of Lean, and how to put a Lean system in place. This book provides that practical model and is ideal for those embarking on the journey to create a Lean culture."
Jon Tudor - Managing Director, True North Excellence and former President, Association for Manufacturing Excellence (UK)
