by Mark DeLuzio
The CEO struggled to make his plan
He learned it was Lean he needed to buy
People told him it was simple at best
Just needed to find a good Lean guy
It was John that he found, had all kinds of belts
Certificates galore, how could he go wrong?
Interview was an outstanding success
Told a good story, sang a good song
Point Kaizens galore, John had it all
CEO content, he purchased salvation
Stock will take off, bonus to swell
Board to be filled with elation
Town Hall meeting was held
CEO introduced him this way
With John’s tools and belts
His Lean will save the day
Months have passed with little to show
John struggled and seemed a bit lost
CEO concerned when he tallied his gate
Quite disappointed when he asked about cost
A chef is to Kaizen, a meal so great
But running a restaurant he’ll end up fatigued
Transformation experience, John simply had none
At the end of the day, he was out of his league
Functions resisted John’s change and new terms
Defended their turf, that they’re unique
No aircover, CEO did not lead
Dissention mounted; performance still weak
Lean program curtailed and John was let go
Lean did not deliver as billed
Heard of TOC, 6 Sigma and such
Must move fast, the Board needs to be thrilled
Viewed as a program, culture stood still
Respect not addressed; GAN permitted to bloom
New programs they’ll try, only to find
Futile efforts, frustration, their efforts be doomed
CEO did not grasp, Rome not built in a day
The tortoise will win, the rabbit will place
Toyota still strives for perfection, they say
Widening distance from all those that are in chase
Mark DeLuzio is known as a pioneer of Lean and the principal architect of the Danaher Business System—serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders in global manufacturing organizations whose financial and operations metrics have flatlined. Leveraging his unmatched and inventive experience, Mark helps them think differently about how to optimize their approach system-wide. For his winning record in transforming companies and facilitating non-zero sum game deals, Mark is also a managing director in a private equity firm and on the board of Hillenbrand Inc.
Author of "Flatlined: Why Lean Transformations Fail and What to Do About It".
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