The Principles Behind Toyota’s Success
“Your book update is magnificent, very readable, and I believe it will make Lean thinking even more accessible to the general public.”
~ Ruth Archer, Director of Continuous Improvement, Michigan Technological University
Quotes
“Toyota leaders are natural systems thinkers, allowing them to make investments without always expecting a simple cause-and-effect relationship between the action and a bottom-line result.”
“Challenge everything. More important than the actual improvements that individuals contribute, the true value of continuous improvement is in creating an atmosphere of continuous learning and an environment that not only accepts, but actually embraces change. “
“Toyota’s principles emphasize the importance of long-term thinking, even at the expense of short-term financial goals.”
Expert Reviews
“The 4p model with the scientific thinking added inside is awesome. I also think how you put TK and Starter Kata in context is very helpful: “step-by-step process to develop scientific thinking skills which might be helpful for adapting Toyota’s approach”
~ Tilo Schwartz, President, Lernzone
Book Review
“The Toyota Way reveals the profound synergy between continuous improvement and respect for people, driving sustained excellence. “
The Toyota Way by Jeffrey K. Liker is a comprehensive exploration of the management principles and philosophies that have propelled Toyota to the forefront of the automotive industry. The book details the 14 management principles underlying Toyota’s success, encapsulated in the concepts of “Continuous Improvement” (kaizen) and “Respect for People.” Liker’s work is not just a manual for implementing Toyota’s techniques but an in-depth look into the company’s cultural and operational ethos.
The book lays emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between people and processes. Liker demonstrates how Toyota’s commitment to employee development and empowerment is as critical as its focus on efficient manufacturing processes. This dual approach creates a robust, adaptable, and innovative organizational culture that continuously seeks improvement.
Liker also effectively conveys the importance of long-term thinking, which contrasts sharply with the short-term profit focus prevalent in many Western companies. He explains how Toyota’s vision extends beyond immediate financial gains to sustainable success, underscoring the need for patience and strategic planning.
Overall, The Toyota Way is great read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of Toyota’s operational excellence. It offers profound insights into creating a culture of continuous improvement and respect for people, making it a must-read for business leaders and managers aiming to build a resilient and dynamic organizational environment.
Who should read this book
- Business leaders and managers: Those looking to foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within their organizations.
- Manufacturing and operations professionals: Individuals seeking to understand and implement lean manufacturing principles and practices.
- HR and organizational development specialists: Professionals focused on employee development, engagement, and building a strong organizational culture.
- Students and academics: Learners and researchers studying business management, industrial engineering, or organizational behavior.
Author’s Bio
Jeffrey K. Liker is a renowned author, consultant, and professor emeritus of industrial and operations engineering at the University of Michigan. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dr. Liker is best known for his extensive work on lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System, encapsulated in his seminal book, “The Toyota Way,” which has sold over one million copies worldwide. His contributions to the field have earned him multiple Shingo Research Awards and established him as a leading authority on lean principles and operational excellence. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Liker is the founder of Liker Lean Advisors, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations implement lean practices.
Author’s website
Publisher’s Note
The bestselling guide to Toyota’s legendary philosophy and production system―updated with important new frameworks for driving innovation and quality in your business
One of the most impactful business guides published in the 21st Century, The Toyota Way played an outsized role in launching the continuous-improvement movement that continues unabated today.
Multiple Shingo Award-winning management and operations expert Jeffrey K. Liker provides a deep dive into Toyota’s world-changing processes, showing how you can learn from it to develop your own improvement program that fits your conditions. Thanks in large part to this book, managers across the globe are creating workforces and systems that produce the highest-quality products and services, establish and retain customer loyalty, and drive business profitability and sustainability. Now, Liker has thoroughly updated his classic guide to include:
- Completely revised data and updated information about Toyota’s approach to competitiveness in the new world of mobility and smart technology
- Illustrative examples from manufacturing and service organizations that have learned and improved from the Toyota Way
- A fresh approach to leadership models
- The brain science and skills for learning to think scientifically
- How Toyota applies Hoshin Kanri, a planning process that aligns objectives at all levels and marries them to business strategy
Organized into thematic sections covering the various aspects of the Toyota Way―including Philosophy, Processes, People, and Problem Solving―this unparalleled guide details the 14 key principles for building the foundation of a powerful improvement system and managing it for ultimate competitive advantage.
With The Toyota Way, you have an inspiration and a model of how to set a direction, continuously improve and learn at all levels, continually “flow” value to satisfy customers, improve your leadership, and get quality right the first time.
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