Better Thinking Faster: A conversation about solving problems just in time
About this episode
The episode discusses the nuances of problem solving speed in lean management, emphasizing the relationship between organizational levels and types of problems.
Time is relative, especially when it comes to lean problem solving. The LEI trio of Josh Howell, Mark Reich, and Art Smalley explored how the speed of quality problem solving really depends on the level of the organization in which the problem exists and the types of problems and thinking patterns in place at that level. In this first podcast of two, they examine what “better” and “faster” means in the lean world and how that manifests itself. There’s often a debate among management circles calling for fast problem solving and change vs. slow, deliberate decision-making. Art, Toyota veteran and author of Four Types of Problems, says, “We’re all trying to think better and think faster, respective to our level and the speed that governs it. But it’s overly simplistic to just say ‘think slow.’ You want to, all things equal, arrive at a better end result faster. In reality there are different types of problems, different patterns of thinking, and different mental gears that can be used.” Art discussed different types of problems and the different styles of work used in Toyota to address them. As outlined in his book, they are: Type 1 troubleshooting problem, such as responding to the…
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