Lean is a value that is not often used, and there is a reason for it: it is very particular.
It is one of those values where you should wonder: what would clients think of this? Why do you value leanness? What does it mean for us? Is the product mean, focused on the "economical" market...
Lean is the opposite of fat.
And fat (Companies) can be useful to cope with a recession.
Some example statements give more insight in the practice: "We are committed to a lean and un-bureaucratic organization in order to set our focus primarily on our customers and employees.
" This makes sense: organizations (headquarters) often live an own life and fail to achieve their main goal which is supporting a business process focused on serving clients.
Lean means in this case: common-sense, rational, not too-passionate and driven-away from reality.
"We are a lean company with a lean structure ensuring high reactivity and responsiveness to the wishes and demands of our customers" or in different wording: "Maintain a lean and flexible organization.
" In this case it tackles the problem of flexibility.
Too much fat makes a company slow-to-market and change.
Again this makes sense: stay focused, why do you need all that additional stuff (read as: staff departments).
What is it really used for? How would leanness translate to employees? Would you like to work for a company that offers you economy-class tickets only? You have worked twenty hours in the weekend, no extra bonus and you have to get on a plane on Sunday to arrive and be operational on Monday...
but there is only enough money for an economy-ticket...
The other side of leanness must be taken into account: employees will work a few years, take their experience and move on to another "fatter" organization, that is much more fun.
Yet, positive about this value is that it is honest in showing what is important.
But that's about it.
H.
J.
B.