Regular readers of my column, as well as my Twitter and LinkedIn feeds, will know that in recent months I have posted many critiques on various aspects related to the products, promotion, and practice of lean management. Why now? The reason is that 20 years of engagement in lean offers the unique opportunity to reflect back on what has happened—to take the long view and see what has worked well (some things) and what needs to be improved (a lot).

In lean, we are taught to do many things, including how to observe processes (for example, stand in the Ohno circle), how to think critically (asking “Why?”), and how to reflect on what we have learned (hansei). So, as part of my work as a lean practitioner, I observe, I think critically, and I reflect. As part of my job as an academic, I write about what I see and what I have learned. That has displeased many influential people.

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