Recommended Reading – Lean, Lean IT, and Management

The Problem Solving Memory Jogger: Seven Steps to Improved Processes
Goal/QPC Staff
This is the latest edition of a popular handbook explaining how to use each of the PDCA problem-solving tools, including Run Charts, Pareto Diagrams, Histograms, Ishikawa (Fishbone) Diagrams, Affinity Diagrams, etc. It also does a nice job explaining how to put them all together as part of a Seven Step Problem-Solving Process. It’s packaged in a small, ring-bound format and meant to be used as a learning tool and quick reference. I’m not completely impartial because I wrote one of the new chapters on something called a Kaizen Blitz, or Kaizen event, where attendees get together for an intense week of problem-solving.

You can download the chapter for free here: Kaizen Blitz – The Problem Solving Memory Jogger

The Deming Management Method
Mary Walton
This is probably the most approachable introduction to Deming’s management methods and philosophy. In practical terms, it describes the theory behind Lean Thinking. However, it is not a “cookbook” for implementing Lean and it does not address issues specific to IT or software development.
Out of the Crisis
W. Edwards Deming
Originally published in 1982, this was Deming’s rallying cry for Corporate America to adapt to the new demands of the modern consumer and remain competitive in the face of global competition. Unfortunately, many of his admonitions remain unheeded to this day, especially outside of manufacturing, and the book is just as relevant today as it was then.
Kaizen: The Key To Japan’s Competitive Success
Masaaki Imai
Great introduction to the philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, from the man who coined the term as it is used in the context of Lean.
Gemba Kaizen: A Commonsense, Low-Cost Approach to Management
Masaaki Imai
Imai, considered by many to be the father of continuous improvement, was responsible for developing and spreading the philosophy of Kaizen. This is his second book on the subject, with a focus on change on the shop floor, or gemba. While it contains many practical tips for eliminating waste and improving quality, its focus on manufacturing might put off people looking to implement Lean in an IT context.
Four Days with Dr. Deming: A Strategy for Modern Methods of Management
William J. Latzko
This is a fun, practical introduction to Deming. It closely follows one of his 4-day seminars, including illustrations, demonstations, and experiments.
Kanban: Successful Evolutionary Change for your Software Business
David J. Anderson
This is a practical guide to implementing a Kanban system for software development or support. David has been a long-standing leader in the agile community and an early proponent of Kanban.
Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production
Taiichi Ohno
Classic text by the man responsible for the early development of the Toyota Production System. Still very relevant today, but it requires some effort to understand how to apply aspects of the TPS within the context of IT.
Lean IT
Stephen Bell, Michael A. Orzen
Very comprehensive introduction to Lean IT. Does a good job of translating Lean Manufacturing concepts into an IT context. Includes some interesting case studies.
The Essential Drucker: The Best of Sixty Years of Peter Drucker’s Essential Writings on Management
Peter Drucker
Nothing really to do with Lean IT, but arguably the most practical and insightful book of essays on management ever written. A great book to pass on to new managers.