The Toyota Way
One of my favorite books is written by Jeffrey Liker, The Toyota Way. It is a comprehensive and entertaining book that gives all the details of the management standards and business methods that have made Toyota the success that they are today. # 1 in the world. The well-written book explains the Toyota Production System and the 14 principles that allow Toyota to succeed year after year, even in a changing market. Because of the way that the principles and methods are explained, you can apply them to your own business interactions to help improve all business processes, operations, and also to reduce production costs.
Toyota created what has become known as TPS or Toyota Production System after World War II. The manufacturer was forced to get creative, because they had a smaller market than other manufacturers on the market such as Ford or GM. TPS has allowed Toyota to have very flexible operations, and long-term thinking (leading to sustainable business practices) was a fundamental part of the process, which has allowed the company to succeed when others have slipped over the years. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “Long-term goal should supersede short-term decision making or goals. Develop, work, grow, and align the company towards a common goal that is bigger than making money.” Toyota has been able to set themselves apart with this simple and focused philosophy. That is what I call a purpose driven company.
The Toyota Way walks you through, step by step, how Toyota has become a success. Many of the 14 principles will seem overly simple, but that is because manufacturers today make things more complicated than they really are. The book will provide enlightening information to all readers and help them approach their business in a more productive, money saving, and long lasting...sustainable way.
I strongly recommend the book.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
