Transforming Knowledge Work: The Lean Approach to AI Integration

Understanding the Lean Philosophy

I was rewatching a classic John Shook video about NUMMI. Thank you, Nigel Thurlow, for recording and sharing it. As I watched, I reflected on its relevance to the automation of Knowledge Work using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

One line hit me hard:

“They were trying to automate out human problems.”

Result: A disaster — followed by an extraordinary recovery once people were allowed to be ingenious, collaborative, valued, and solve problems every day.

This statement cuts straight to the heart of a significant misunderstanding of Lean in the Western world.

How Lean is often misconceived

Lean is often treated as a toolkit for process optimisation. Many organisations outsource this task to consultants who arrive with PowerPoints to “redesign” the enterprise. We even coined a term for it: Business Process Reengineering.

In true Lean, there is no “reengineering.” If you need to reengineer, it means you have stopped improving. Improvement should come from the people doing the work, supported by leadership and coached by senseis — not flown-in fixers.

In true "Lean", there is no wholesale process reengineering, replatforming, or transformation, because things are never growing that out of sync due to continuous improvements.

Lean never mattered because it optimised processes. It mattered because it ENGAGED PEOPLE TO THINK, COLLABORATIVELY.

The Digital Economy and Lean Principles

Now, let’s look at the digital, software, and service economy. Isn’t it ironic that organisations still behave as if the world is divided between White Collars who think (Executives) and Blue Collars who do (Engineers)? McKinsey’s “digital factories” only reinforced that fiction and led many businesses down the wrong path.

Organisations are looking to operate digital AI companies with mass production leadership. Lean got people to think, and as such, was a significant first step towards the leadership of Knowledge Work.

In modern so-called "knowledge work," that divide is nonsense. Everyone should be thinking and doing, continually.

The Importance of Leadership in Lean

True Lean is a major step in Leadership since mass-production leadership, and it is more needed than ever in the digital tech era. The integration of AI into our workflows should not be about replacing human input. Instead, it should enhance our capabilities and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

So, it’s a good time to watch the video. Start there ».

Reflecting on AI Adoption

Ask yourself one question: IS YOUR ORGANISATION MAKING THE SAME MISTAKE WITH YOUR ADOPTION OF AI? Are you trying to automate out human problems?

Draw your own conclusions.

If you want a Jidoka-led approach to AI, let’s talk.

Conclusion: Embracing Continuous Improvement

In conclusion, the journey towards integrating AI into your organisation should not overlook the fundamental principles of Lean. By engaging your team and fostering a culture of collaboration, you can navigate the complexities of digital transformation effectively.

Lean is not just about processes; it’s about people. Let’s ensure that as we adopt new technologies, we do so with a mindset that values human ingenuity and continuous improvement.

By focusing on these principles, you can help your organisation become high-performing and adaptable, ready to face the challenges of the digital age.