Workforce Development & Team Leadership Flashcards

What does 'jidoka' mean in the context of Lean workforce development?

Answer: Giving workers the authority and responsibility to stop production when a defect is detected

Jidoka (autonomation) empowers workers to stop the line when a problem occurs, preventing defect propagation and encouraging employees to take ownership of quality.

In Lean team development, what is the primary goal of conducting after-action reviews (retrospectives)?

Answer: To capture lessons learned and identify improvement opportunities after completing a project or event

After-action reviews help teams reflect on what worked and what didn't, institutionalizing learning to improve future performance — a core principle of continuous improvement.

Which of the following best describes the Lean concept of 'andon'?

Answer: A visual alert system that signals abnormal conditions so they can be addressed immediately

An andon system (often a light or cord) allows workers to visually signal a problem so supervisors and team leaders can respond immediately, supporting transparency and quick resolution.

What is the recommended approach for setting improvement targets with Lean teams?

Answer: Teams should collaboratively set stretch targets grounded in current-state data

Collaboratively set, data-driven targets build team ownership and ensure goals are both ambitious and credible, which drives sustained engagement and improvement.

What does 'kata' practice in Lean workforce development involve?

Answer: Daily coaching routines that build scientific thinking habits through structured practice

Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata (from Toyota Kata) are structured practice routines that develop scientific problem-solving habits through deliberate, repetitive coaching cycles.

A Lean transformation is stalling because middle managers are not actively supporting it. What is the most effective intervention?

Answer: Train middle managers in Lean principles and redefine their role as coaches and enablers

Middle managers are the key conduit between strategy and execution; equipping them with Lean skills and reshaping their role toward coaching ensures they become advocates rather than obstacles.

Which organizational structure best supports a Lean culture of continuous improvement?

Answer: A flatter structure that pushes decision-making authority closer to where the work occurs

Flatter organizations with distributed authority allow faster problem-solving, stronger accountability, and greater employee engagement — all critical enablers of sustained Lean improvement.