The LeanFluencer

Lean in Practice: A Fresh Perspective + What’s Coming Next

Lean manufacturing is no longer just a clever trick from Toyota. In today’s world – where efficiency and continuous improvement are more relevant than ever – lean thinking applies far beyond the factory floor. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience optimizing processes, keeping your lean mindset fresh always pays off.

Introduction

This website was born out of a passion: to make lean thinking more accessible, more human-centered, and more practical – not just in production facilities, but in offices, kitchens, and classrooms too.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be publishing new blog posts here on lean thinking, always with a practical and personal tone. You won’t find dry theory here, but real-life examples, stories, and actionable tips you can immediately apply.

Already Published

Start here if you are curious about how lean works in real life? These two articles are great starting points:

  • 👉 The Goal – Who Is Herbie?
    A personal reflection on my very first encounter with lean, through the classic book The Goal. What does a hiking trip have to do with production?
  • 👉 Lean Manufacturing Post-COVID-19
    How has the pandemic changed lean? And why is it more important than ever to put the customer at the center?

What to Expect Next

Here’s a preview of 10 upcoming blog posts you can look forward to:

  1. The 5 Principles of Lean Explained with Everyday Examples
    No theory—just relatable situations that make lean thinking easier to grasp.
  2. How to Spot Waste in Your Workday
    Small tweaks that lead to big impact.
  3. Lean at Home: How I Apply Lean in Household Routines
    From pantry organization to laundry scheduling.
  4. The Evolution of Lean: From Toyota to Digital Transformation
    What lean means today in a tech-driven world.
  5. Interview with a Lean Expert
    Real-world insights from someone who lives and breathes lean.
  6. Leadership in Lean: Why Behavior Matters More Than Tools
    Lean is not a toolset—it’s a culture.
  7. Common Mistakes in Lean Implementation and How to Avoid Them
    Learn from what often goes wrong.
  8. Lean & Sustainability: Green by Design
    Less waste means less environmental impact.
  9. Lean Across Cultures: Global Lessons Learned
    What works in the Netherlands may not work in Japan—and vice versa.
  10. Lean in Healthcare: Better Processes, Better Care
    Real-world lean applications in hospitals and clinics.

Stay Updated

Want to be notified when a new post goes live? Follow me on LinkedIn or subscribe to the newsletter (coming soon).


Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a team leader, consultant, teacher, or entrepreneur—lean thinking can help you work smarter. It’s not a fad, it’s a mindset. And I look forward to taking you along on the journey.

Got an idea, a question, or a lean-related challenge you’re working through? Feel free to comment or reach out—learning together always leads further.


Ready to get started?
Begin here:
The Goal – Who is Herbie?
Lean Post-COVID-19: Lessons for Today

Written by:

Dick Klarenbeek

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