Comments on: Productivity and organizing insights found in Lean systems http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/ Daily tips on how to organize your home and office. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:43:54 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Dale http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-34447 Dale Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:53:06 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-34447 Lean Six Sigma is the manifestation of the scientific method and authoritative data applied to organizational improvement. The only constraint is the effectiveness of LSS deployment in engaging the workforce to take the bull by the horns to improve their operations. LSS is simply cause and effect and absolutely will work - it is the human element and resistance to change that limits the value of the LSS contributions i.e. ROI. Lean Six Sigma is the manifestation of the scientific method and authoritative data applied to organizational improvement. The only constraint is the effectiveness of LSS deployment in engaging the workforce to take the bull by the horns to improve their operations. LSS is simply cause and effect and absolutely will work – it is the human element and resistance to change that limits the value of the LSS contributions i.e. ROI.

]]> By: gypsy packer http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26665 gypsy packer Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:48:11 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26665 Big, big difference between lean management and removal of individuality. As someone who's gone through an identity theft, I believe that any denial of individuality results from inherent dishonesty of the deniers, from the high school conformist tyrants and cliques who steal each other's clothes and iPods, to the bosses who only hire blondes (or whites) and go for the real estate or savings account, claiming that they were bought with money embezzled from him. That attitude shouts "I own you and I can take over anything you own for my personal use". Big, big difference between lean management and removal of individuality. As someone who’s gone through an identity theft, I believe that any denial of individuality results from inherent dishonesty of the deniers, from the high school conformist tyrants and cliques who steal each other’s clothes and iPods, to the bosses who only hire blondes (or whites) and go for the real estate or savings account, claiming that they were bought with money embezzled from him.
That attitude shouts “I own you and I can take over anything you own for my personal use”.

]]> By: Michele http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26554 Michele Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:38:11 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26554 HATE this nonsense. Our CEO got "sparse cubicle" disease thanks to one of these seminars, and it led to nothing but resentment and HR problems. People were made to get rid of decorations, family photos, and every reminder of home that made work tolerable. That was just one step on the staircase of company morale problems that led to mass quitting. HATE this nonsense. Our CEO got “sparse cubicle” disease thanks to one of these seminars, and it led to nothing but resentment and HR problems. People were made to get rid of decorations, family photos, and every reminder of home that made work tolerable. That was just one step on the staircase of company morale problems that led to mass quitting.

]]> By: JefferyK http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26546 JefferyK Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:05:06 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26546 Interesting -- I seem to have implemented some of the 5S practices on my own, having never heard of 5S before! And it causes weird vibes at work because I'm able to get a lot done, accurately, in very little time. "Oh, you're so organized," said through gritted teeth and a forced smile. Hanging my jacket on the back of my chair doesn't seem to slow me down, but I do not keep personal belongings on my desk because they get in the way. I cannot believe the amount of time my coworkers waste looking for papers, looking for supplies, moving things around to get at other things, setting up convoluted filing systems that are never maintained because they are too complicated, etc., etc. It isn't a style issue. They would like to be organized. However, they are afraid of change and don't want to make an effort to try to do something differently. Interesting — I seem to have implemented some of the 5S practices on my own, having never heard of 5S before! And it causes weird vibes at work because I’m able to get a lot done, accurately, in very little time. “Oh, you’re so organized,” said through gritted teeth and a forced smile. Hanging my jacket on the back of my chair doesn’t seem to slow me down, but I do not keep personal belongings on my desk because they get in the way. I cannot believe the amount of time my coworkers waste looking for papers, looking for supplies, moving things around to get at other things, setting up convoluted filing systems that are never maintained because they are too complicated, etc., etc. It isn’t a style issue. They would like to be organized. However, they are afraid of change and don’t want to make an effort to try to do something differently.

]]> By: Allen http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26516 Allen Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:17:03 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26516 I'd love for Kyocera to evaluate my workspace for 5s. I love doling out ass-woopins and dogmatic little martinets are among my favorite afternoon snacks. I’d love for Kyocera to evaluate my workspace for 5s. I love doling out ass-woopins and dogmatic little martinets are among my favorite afternoon snacks.

]]> By: Marianne http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26506 Marianne Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:30:04 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26506 I worked at a GE company that was implementing Six Sigma. I only had one question about the effectiveness of the program, since GE's appliances were consistently at the bottom of the Consumer Reports rankings. I worked at a GE company that was implementing Six Sigma. I only had one question about the effectiveness of the program, since GE’s appliances were consistently at the bottom of the Consumer Reports rankings.

]]> By: Craig http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26502 Craig Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:41:04 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26502 As a Kaizen practitioner and trainer for the last twenty-years I can tell you that 5S done properly is a simplification and uncluttering method that can be used anywhere and in any system. However, like all these methods, when it falls into the hands of idiots, especially box-ticking management bureaucrats, it can become a nightmare. I have used it in offices and where it is trained from the bottom up it has revolutionized the look and effectiveness of those workplaces. My standard advice to managers in these workplaces is to get the hell out of the way and say yes to anything the workers ask for. It is when it is imposed top-down, with dumb inspection sheets and the like that it always fails. Such is life... ;) As a Kaizen practitioner and trainer for the last twenty-years I can tell you that 5S done properly is a simplification and uncluttering method that can be used anywhere and in any system.

However, like all these methods, when it falls into the hands of idiots, especially box-ticking management bureaucrats, it can become a nightmare.

I have used it in offices and where it is trained from the bottom up it has revolutionized the look and effectiveness of those workplaces. My standard advice to managers in these workplaces is to get the hell out of the way and say yes to anything the workers ask for.

It is when it is imposed top-down, with dumb inspection sheets and the like that it always fails.

Such is life… ;)

]]> By: Eileen http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26499 Eileen Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:23:24 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26499 Not a darn thing!I am laughing because the no sweater on the chair thing actually happen to me. My ex-boss decided to try for a promotion via an attempt at "lean,": hence everything personal had to go. We missed sweaters and jackets as it was very cold. So an angry & cold person climbed up and unhooked the "elevator music" that bossman liked! He was not impressed and I don't blame him. However after talking to him we got our sweaters and a couple of neatly placed items allowed. We all learned to be neater and management learned to realize people are more productive with at least one personal item nearby. I learned too much neatness control is counterproductive! Not a darn thing!I am laughing because the no sweater on the chair thing actually happen to me. My ex-boss decided to try for a promotion via an attempt at “lean,”: hence everything personal had to go. We missed sweaters and jackets as it was very cold. So an angry & cold person climbed up and unhooked the “elevator music” that bossman liked! He was not impressed and I don’t blame him. However after talking to him we got our sweaters and a couple of neatly placed items allowed. We all learned to be neater and management learned to realize people are more productive with at least one personal item nearby. I learned too much neatness control is counterproductive!

]]> By: sdavis http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26492 sdavis Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:45:46 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26492 Will someone explain to me what is wrong with a sweater hanging on the back of a chair? Will someone explain to me what is wrong with a sweater hanging on the back of a chair?

]]> By: Rob http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26490 Rob Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:42:06 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26490 I blog about lean regulary and can tell you that 5S is a pillar of great lean implementations. In your office, can you find whatever you need in seconds? Can anyone else walk in and find what they need in seconds? 5S removes what is not needed, places the necessary items at the point of use and make a clean, visual and high performance workplace. What are the 5S? Sorting - what is needed right now and what is not. Straightening - rules are set for a Lean Office layout – a place for everything and everything in its place. Sweep - is both physical and visual, removing any abnormalities, sources of backsliding, clutter, or poor visibility. Standardize - by establishing “what good looks like” and rules for upkeep. Self-discipline - the less of this you need, the Leaner you really are. In Manufacturing LEAN, a 5S program is typically the first LEAN technique applied to a new environment. The targeted area is literally swept out, clearing the decks for future improvements. After 5S then other LEAN techniques such as pull scheduling, workload balancing, and waste reduction are applied to cut service time and increase customer value creation. A 5S implementation in the office will quickly reveal many areas of waste. Some of these silent killers are: People waste Process waste Information waste Asset waste Surface waste Office employees might be busy, but are their activities focused, structured and disciplined? This might sound militaristic, but actually it is quite liberating. Once an employee understands what is expected of him/her, it is much easier to optimally perform. Many employees spend vast amounts of time doing busy work, or redundant work. Reports that nobody reads are a good example. If everyone knows what is expected, the atmosphere can become much more relaxed and pleasant. Mental and emotional energy can be directed at meaningful work that is focused, structured, and disciplined. As with any lean manufacturing process, it takes a vision to succeed. Top management needs to be totally committed and willing to allow time and expense to reach the goals. It is also highly advisable to make use of a good outside consultant. I blog about lean regulary and can tell you that 5S is a pillar of great lean implementations. In your office, can you find whatever you need in seconds? Can anyone else walk in and find what they need in seconds? 5S removes what is not needed, places the necessary items at the point of use and make a clean, visual and high performance workplace.

What are the 5S?

Sorting – what is needed right now and what is not.

Straightening – rules are set for a Lean Office layout – a place for everything and everything in its place.

Sweep – is both physical and visual, removing any abnormalities, sources of backsliding, clutter, or poor visibility.

Standardize – by establishing “what good looks like” and rules for upkeep.

Self-discipline – the less of this you need, the Leaner you really are.

In Manufacturing LEAN, a 5S program is typically the first LEAN technique applied to a new environment. The targeted area is literally swept out, clearing the decks for future improvements. After 5S then other LEAN techniques such as pull scheduling, workload balancing, and waste reduction are applied to cut service time and increase customer value creation.

A 5S implementation in the office will quickly reveal many areas of waste. Some of these silent killers are:

People waste
Process waste
Information waste
Asset waste
Surface waste

Office employees might be busy, but are their activities focused, structured and disciplined? This might sound militaristic, but actually it is quite liberating. Once an employee understands what is expected of him/her, it is much easier to optimally perform. Many employees spend vast amounts of time doing busy work, or redundant work. Reports that nobody reads are a good example.

If everyone knows what is expected, the atmosphere can become much more relaxed and pleasant. Mental and emotional energy can be directed at meaningful work that is focused, structured, and disciplined.

As with any lean manufacturing process, it takes a vision to succeed. Top management needs to be totally committed and willing to allow time and expense to reach the goals. It is also highly advisable to make use of a good outside consultant.

]]> By: Suki http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26486 Suki Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:38:52 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26486 "Do you have a 3-hole punch? How often do you use it? Every day? Every other day? Once a week? Might it not make more sense to place that item in a public area where it can be shared by all, rather than squirelled away at your workstation?" If the location is determined by the frequency of use, it would save time, but if I am walking to and from the common 3hole punch, taking 5 minutes, then maybe not so much is saved. “Do you have a 3-hole punch? How often do you use it? Every day? Every other day? Once a week? Might it not make more sense to place that item in a public area where it can be shared by all, rather than squirelled away at your workstation?”

If the location is determined by the frequency of use, it would save time, but if I am walking to and from the common 3hole punch, taking 5 minutes, then maybe not so much is saved.

]]> By: John of Indiana http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26485 John of Indiana Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:34:43 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26485 Jay Scovie would just PLOTZ at the sight of my corner of the world... Does it really matter, so long as I can produce the TPS reports when asked for them? "Aaaaaaaaah, Yee-Ahhh... I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to move the sweater, and you WILL have those TPS reports for me before you leave, right?" What's next, "Quality Circles"? Oooh, that's right, already tried and discarded those... Jay Scovie would just PLOTZ at the sight of my corner of the world…
Does it really matter, so long as I can produce the TPS reports when asked for them?

“Aaaaaaaaah, Yee-Ahhh… I’m afraid I’m gonna have to ask you to move the sweater, and you WILL have those TPS reports for me before you leave, right?”

What’s next, “Quality Circles”? Oooh, that’s right, already tried and discarded those…

]]> By: Caroline http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26482 Caroline Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:01:55 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26482 As a 5S implementor at my job, I can tell you that the danger is that it can become one more box to tick for management. But when done right, I think it can change the way business is done. At its most basic 5S strives for all the things that are espoused here on Unclutterer: a place for everything and everything in its place, things done right the first time, and the elimination of clutter. If you work in an office, think of your desk. Do you have a 3-hole punch? How often do you use it? Every day? Every other day? Once a week? Might it not make more sense to place that item in a public area where it can be shared by all, rather than squirelled away at your workstation? That's 5S. As a 5S implementor at my job, I can tell you that the danger is that it can become one more box to tick for management. But when done right, I think it can change the way business is done.
At its most basic 5S strives for all the things that are espoused here on Unclutterer: a place for everything and everything in its place, things done right the first time, and the elimination of clutter.
If you work in an office, think of your desk. Do you have a 3-hole punch? How often do you use it? Every day? Every other day? Once a week? Might it not make more sense to place that item in a public area where it can be shared by all, rather than squirelled away at your workstation? That’s 5S.

]]> By: Kimberly Collins http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26480 Kimberly Collins Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:57:41 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26480 I cannot begin to imagine working for a company that micromanages its employees to the point that they cannot even hang a sweater on the back of their chair. Asking employees to keep their workspace neat and uncluttered is one thing, but what Kyocera is doing is ridiculous. This is an interesting topic for me though b/c I had no idea these systems even existed.I am not in the business world, so it is really nice to learn something new. I cannot begin to imagine working for a company that micromanages its employees to the point that they cannot even hang a sweater on the back of their chair. Asking employees to keep their workspace neat and uncluttered is one thing, but what Kyocera is doing is ridiculous.
This is an interesting topic for me though b/c I had no idea these systems even existed.I am not in the business world, so it is really nice to learn something new.

]]> By: amanda lee http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26475 amanda lee Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:53:06 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26475 I'm glad you posted this--reading about S5 in particular is helpful for me personally and professionally--but I doubt I'd respond well to someone dictating me to adhere to a particular system of productivity. I’m glad you posted this–reading about S5 in particular is helpful for me personally and professionally–but I doubt I’d respond well to someone dictating me to adhere to a particular system of productivity.

]]> By: jeff parnes http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26471 jeff parnes Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:54:57 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26471 Lean attempts to remove non-value added steps from the process. In one lean analysis my group debated whether transportation was value added. Most lean guidance indicates that it isn't. I countered with the experience of the '49ers - they were willing to pay extra-ordinary sums for items that wouldn't have been worth a premium elsewhere. But because they were available when they were needed, where they were needed, those premiums were paid. So much for transportation being non-value added. Lean attempts to remove non-value added steps from the process. In one lean analysis my group debated whether transportation was value added. Most lean guidance indicates that it isn’t.

I countered with the experience of the ‘49ers – they were willing to pay extra-ordinary sums for items that wouldn’t have been worth a premium elsewhere. But because they were available when they were needed, where they were needed, those premiums were paid. So much for transportation being non-value added.

]]> By: sue http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26464 sue Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:22:13 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26464 "...Sweaters can’t hang on the backs of chairs, personal items can’t be stowed beneath desks and the only decorations allowed on cabinets are official company plaques or certificates..." Wasn't that a plot point in the movie "9 to 5" and it resulted in low morale, low production and inefficiency? “…Sweaters can’t hang on the backs of chairs, personal items can’t be stowed beneath desks and the only decorations allowed on cabinets are official company plaques or certificates…”

Wasn’t that a plot point in the movie “9 to 5″ and it resulted in low morale, low production and inefficiency?

]]> By: Kellye http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26454 Kellye Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:24:51 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26454 I’m not saying leave a moldy sandwich in the desk drawer or anything, but organization is up to the INDIVIDUAL. Sorry, cut myself off. :) I’m not saying leave a moldy sandwich in the desk drawer or anything, but organization is up to the INDIVIDUAL.

Sorry, cut myself off. :)

]]> By: Kellye http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26453 Kellye Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:24:02 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26453 What a terrible place to work. If you have to sit in a cubicle for 8 hours a day, you should be able to decorate, organize, and clean your office the way you'd like. I'm not saying leave a moldy sandwich in the desk drawer or anything, but organization is up to the As far as I've seen from personal experience, Lean Six Sigma is really ineffective. Pretty much management getting together to "brainstorm solutions" (aka accuse each other of inefficiency) and then they get so angry and resentful at each other they come back and take it out on their subordinates in petty little "improvement" programs like this one. I let my office get cluttered in ways I won't tolerate in my home, because I'm a naturally disorganized person and it has to have an outlet somewhere. I have a smart-aleck desktop wallpaper, CDs in haphazard piles, stacks of memos, Post-it notes all over the walls/computer, goofy photographs of my friends and family everywhere, a thriving bamboo plant, and I'm seriously considering bringing in a Siamese fighting fish, too. The point is, I make my office my home away from home, so it isn't complete drudgery to be there. I think all cube rats should have the freedom to do that. What you might lose in productivity, you gain in morale, so it's pretty much an efficiency washout, but with happier employees. What a terrible place to work. If you have to sit in a cubicle for 8 hours a day, you should be able to decorate, organize, and clean your office the way you’d like. I’m not saying leave a moldy sandwich in the desk drawer or anything, but organization is up to the

As far as I’ve seen from personal experience, Lean Six Sigma is really ineffective. Pretty much management getting together to “brainstorm solutions” (aka accuse each other of inefficiency) and then they get so angry and resentful at each other they come back and take it out on their subordinates in petty little “improvement” programs like this one.

I let my office get cluttered in ways I won’t tolerate in my home, because I’m a naturally disorganized person and it has to have an outlet somewhere. I have a smart-aleck desktop wallpaper, CDs in haphazard piles, stacks of memos, Post-it notes all over the walls/computer, goofy photographs of my friends and family everywhere, a thriving bamboo plant, and I’m seriously considering bringing in a Siamese fighting fish, too.

The point is, I make my office my home away from home, so it isn’t complete drudgery to be there. I think all cube rats should have the freedom to do that. What you might lose in productivity, you gain in morale, so it’s pretty much an efficiency washout, but with happier employees.

]]> By: Jon http://unclutterer.com/2009/01/14/productivity-and-organizing-insights-found-in-lean-systems/comment-page-1/#comment-26452 Jon Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:19:16 +0000 http://unclutterer.com/?p=3828#comment-26452 I'm an Industrial Engineer, so I'm unfortunately exposed to all these continuous improvement systems. It seems that in most cases companies apply these systems as a substitute for having to actually think of what issues face their particular function, whether it's on the factory floor or the back office or wherever. There's an excellent blog at evolvingexcellence.com, specifically the Japan Kaikaku experience the author went on to Japan (http://www.evolvingexcellence.com/blog/2008/11/japan-kaikaku-experience---the-summary.html), where you can see that these systems aren't just a set of platitudes and buzzwords, but instead so ingrained in the company culture that it's not something they even have to think about, and that's the only way they can work. I’m an Industrial Engineer, so I’m unfortunately exposed to all these continuous improvement systems. It seems that in most cases companies apply these systems as a substitute for having to actually think of what issues face their particular function, whether it’s on the factory floor or the back office or wherever.

There’s an excellent blog at evolvingexcellence.com, specifically the Japan Kaikaku experience the author went on to Japan (http://www.evolvingexcellence......mary.html), where you can see that these systems aren’t just a set of platitudes and buzzwords, but instead so ingrained in the company culture that it’s not something they even have to think about, and that’s the only way they can work.

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