Show notes: https://www.leanblog.org/31
Remastered July 2021
LeanBlog Podcast #31 is a discussion with David Meier, most recently the co-author of the book Toyota Talent, written with Dr. Jeffrey Liker.
In this podcast, we discuss the topics from Toyota Talent, including standardized work and how to use the methodology in the right way. We also talk briefly about Toyota's new San Antonio plant. I love David's quote, “Standardization of work doesn't mean that everybody does it exactly the same way.” There will be an upcoming Part 2 of this discussion with David where we talk about upcoming books in the Toyota series, so stay tuned.
Keywords and Main Points, Episode #31
How does Toyota turn the cliche of “people are our most important asset” into reality?
How to avoid standardizing for the sake of standardizing — how to decide WHAT to standardize and why
How did Toyota built upon the Training Within Industry program?
Why does Toyota look at work in such minute detail, breaking jobs down?

What are “key points” in a job breakdown sheet? Why is it important to explain why the key points are necessary? Does this tie to “respect for people”?
How does this process apply to jobs, such as nursing, that aren't repeatable 45 second assembly line cycles?
Does Toyota invest more time and effort into training new employees than other companies?
Blog post about Toyota, “frugal” versus “cheap”
“Standardiziaton of work doesn't mean that everybody does it exactly the same way.”
Talking about the new Toyota plant in San Antonio