Welcome to the nonprofit Lean Enterprise Institute. We publish books, workbooks, and case studies, run workshops and conferences, and conduct research that help companies transform themselves into lean enterprises, based on the principles of the Toyota Business System. We also help managers and executives develop the leadership behaviors that sustain lean enterprises. 

New Workshop!

Managing to Learn, the A3 workshop
In this new workshop author John Shook will explain why A3 thinking is the core of the Toyota management system and show how an A3 communication and managment tool can help develop lean managers. Not only will you learn how to create an A3 but more importantly how the thinking behind an A3 can be applied across the enterprise. Learn more.

"Car Czar" for Bailout

The proposed automotive "Big 3" bailout concerns me partly by the fact that Congress, as usual, seems to think they have the answers. The American automotive industry, particularly the "Big 3" are where they are today in big part by not learning lessons in the past...I propose that if there is to be a "Car Czar," Jim Womack be named that person...