Lean Leadership on a Napkin：An Executive's Guide to Lean Transformation in Three Proven Steps

This straightforward book is for top executives in virtually any industry who are either new to the concept of Lean and its benefits to them or who have stalled in their transformations and are trying to resurrect their momentum. The book is written in a style that mirrors a typical interaction with an executive across the table with a knowledgeable, experienced Lean coach/consultant. Its style and substance reflect what a candid, if casual, conversation would sound and feel like.

The book includes hand-drawn images (thus the title Lean on a Napkin) to facilitate and simplify basic concepts as if the dialogue was occurring over an informal meeting. It assumes that the executive has little or no previous knowledge of Lean but has awakened to the possibility of its promise to grow themselves and their enterprises. Most executives have little time for extensive reading or patience with "sales" presentations -- Those same leaders will appreciate the simple, straightforward and, above all, objective summary this book provides.

The book breaks down the process of transforming their organization around Lean principles into three component transformational phases Introduction, Integration and Internalization (i.e., the I-3 strategy). Each phase includes critical factors to understand, do, and share as well as deep reflection questions to help them decide on an appropriate path forward for themselves as leaders and for their organizations. A unique advantage of this book is that it braids together four critical elements of success -- Lean concepts/methodology, culture change, leadership, and business performance.

Essentially, the reader will obtain a broad, basic but solid understanding and leadership foundation about Lean, the leaders' unique role in transformation, and confidence to make appropriate decisions about the how and if to proceed. In addition, it will offer a path forward by providing them with abundant resources and consulting support.