Mark DeLuzio--known as a pioneer of Lean and the principal architect of the Danaher Business System (DBS)--serves as a trusted advisor to senior leaders in global organizations whose financial and operation metrics have flatlined. Leveraging his unmatched and inventive experience, Mark helps them think differently about how to optimize their approach system wide. For his winning record in transforming companies and facilitating non-zero-sum game deals, Mark also served on the board of Hillenbrand Inc. (NYSE: HI) for eleven years.

Hands-On Implementation that Drives Sustainable Results

While many know Lean in theory, Mark has lived it inside and out in practice. After developing the first Lean Accounting process in the US for Danaher's Jake Brake Division--setting an industry standard many companies are still trying to replicate--Mark became the VP of Danaher Business Systems where he led its global deployment and enlightened Wall Street on its merits. Engaged in their first study mission to Japan to learn from Toyota and its suppliers, he's still mentored by the masters of the Toyota Production System today. Fundamental in Danaher's recognition as one of the leading implementers of Lean, Mark founded Lean Horizons Consulting in 2001 to helm a global team that serves clients on five continents in both specific and broad business applications of Lean. Their hallmark project with GE's Money Division--that generated [...] million in its first year by reducing retail credit card processing approvals to one day from 63--was profiled in the Harvard Business Review. In 2007, Mark's ÒExcellence in ManufacturingÓ contributions were recognized when he was inducted as a Life Member of the Shingo Prize Academy, the ÒHall of FameÓ for Lean Leaders.

Teaching Leaders to Ask Questions that Cause Teams to Produce Answers

Whether through speaking, authoring, or service on corporate and non-profit boards, Mark's passion for educating others is evident, and he spent eight years on the board of his alma mater's school of business. Institutions like MIT's Sloan School of Business, Northwestern's Kellogg School of Business, and RIT have invited him to talk with their students about his experiences with DBS and Lean in order to deepen their understanding of what does and doesn't add value.

Mark DeLuzio is a devoted family man and Blue and Gold Star Father who moved with his wife, Diane, from Connecticut to Arizona, so they didn't have to watch their grandchildren grow up on Facebook. Mark and Diane were instrumental in founding The Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial Park, a serene space to reminisce and reflect as one walks the path of fallen military heroes. ([...] Mark and Diane also formed B.R.A.V.E., a no-cost service that assists military veteran entrepreneurs in reaching their dreams with existing businesses or new start-ups ([...]

Chapter 1 Why Companies Have Flatlined................................................1

Chapter 2 The Solution in Five Steps...........................................................7

Chapter 3 Step 1: Shift the Lean Mindset for Sustainable Results..........13

Chapter 4 Step 2: Default to the Basics......................................................27

Chapter 5 Step 3: Align Your Lean Transformation with Strategy........41

Chapter 6 Step 4: Make Lean an Enterprise Endeavor............................59

Chapter 7 Step 5: Use Lean Principles to Evolve Your Company's Culture.........................................................................................75

Chapter 8 Conclusion...................................................................................93

Addendum What You Must Have in Place for Your Lean Transformation........................................................................103