The Hitchhikers Guide to Lean Review

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Lean: Lessons from the Road – Amazon Link

I recently was introduced through Mark Graban @leanblog to Jamie @flinchbaugh author of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Lean” and co-founder of the Lean Learning Center . I ended up doing a podcast with both of them, Mark’s will be posted July 29th and Jamie’s on August 4th.

Before I interviewed Jamie, I sat down to review his book once again. I had purchased his book several years ago. I started around nine and found myself reading the book in its entirety. When I first read the book I had found it interesting and full of good ideas. However, I did not really apply them or use it in my own practice. In between the 2-times that I have read it, I completed my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training and developing a much great understanding both in theory and in practice. The book was better the 2nd time.

Why, I believe the book when first read is simply too easy. It removes the Japanese terms, has few diagrams and the topics and sub-topics are grouped extremely well. As I think about it, it was just to efficiently organized. My 2nd reading, with the added experience, I noticed these subtleties and took complete advantage of them to get a great understanding of what a real lean culture is about. I believe in the future it will become my go-to-guide for Lean transformation.

A truly Lean Book, you will not waste a minute.

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