On the quest to Operations Excellence it is important to get a wide range of informations about Lean Manufacturing. However, the tools and methods from Lean alone are certainly not enough for a successful transformation of the organization. More focus have to be given to the way we work together and manage. These soft skills and specific mindsets are required to get to this level of fast improving and great workplace.

Here some of the best books on Lean Leadership and Kata. Please leave a comment if you have any other suggestions of book.

Toyota way to Lean Leadership from Jeffrey K. Liker and Gary Convis

In this book the authors provide a deep insight of what makes Toyota be able to have the continuous story of success in the competitive automotive market. When applying Lean Manufacturing it is often forgotten that the key ingredient of successful Lean is in fact the Leadership. The insights and examples provided are of critical importance to understand what Leadership style is needed for a lasting lean culture.

Black Box Thinking from Matthew Syed

In this great book, the author draws a line on how the different mindsets for problem solving can shape industries. An interesting parallel is given between the health care industry and the aviation industry. While one has a culture as seeing errors as opportunity to learn, the other mainly sees them as mistakes loosing the opportunity to learn from them.

Toyota Kata from Mike Rother

In this book an Toyota outsider is analysing and detailing the Toyota improvement and coaching Kata. This book is an essential reference when Talking about leadership focused on developing people.

Start with Why from Simon Sinek

Although this book is not directly related o Lean Manufacturing, it is interesting to mention here because it touches the core of what motivates each one of us. The author describes what companies have so they become able to motivate and draw people to them. He exemplifies, on hand of different cases, how different companies are able to create a culture of high motivated and dedicated workforce. It all starts with the “why”.

These few books are recommended for those who are looking to create high motivated teams for improving and developing Lean.

Do you have any other suggestions for reading or disagree on the list above? Please leave a comment.