Stop selling CI. Solve their problem.

Featuring Jess Orr
Leader247 Episode 13: Beyond Toyota — Building a Continuous Improvement System That Lasts

In this video from Episode 13, Jess Orr explains how operational excellence leaders can influence executives without leading with theory or tools.

The starting point is humility. Before introducing 5S, DMS, A3, or any other CI method, Jess recommends understanding the leader’s priorities, constraints, and pressure.

Then, find a problem CI can help solve. In her example, an executive wanted a better holistic view of plant performance. Jess used that problem to pilot a Daily Management System, create a quick win, and lower the perceived risk of trying something new.

Key Insights

  • Do not start by selling CI tools.

  • Understand the executive’s current problems and priorities first.

  • Pilots and quick wins lower risk and create pull for improvement.

This is just one piece of the whole system. Join a live Leader247 session and see how leaders are applying thinking like this inside real organizations.

No cost. No obligation. Just practical leadership.