Lean Facilitator Certificate

Specializing in Office, Service, and Knowledge Environments

Overview
Certificate Requirements
Project Structure
Optional Observation Component
Curriculum
Program Fees
Expectations for Program Graduates

Overview

Building competency as a Lean Facilitator is a lifelong journey. But the journey typically begins with an intensive educational program to develop the skills for analyzing processes, applying specific Lean tools, understanding the human component in championing improvements, and building a foundation for ongoing professional development.

Karen Martin & Associates offers a Lean Facilitator Certificate program -- specifically geared to the unique nature of office, service and knowledge work -- that covers:

Strategic analytical, improvement design, and implementation planning tools such as value stream mapping, implementation plans and A3s.
Tactical analytical, improvement design, and prioritization tools such as metrics-based process mapping, physical and electronic spaghetti diagrams, root cause analysis and the PACE chart for improvement prioritization.
Implementation strategies such as PDCA-based Kaizen Events, traditional projects and “just-do-its.”
Flow creating strategies such as load leveling, work balancing via takt time, work standardization, mistake proofing, 5S, visual workplace, setup reduction, pull system and work cells.
Lean psychology and facilitator development to become skilled in stimulating innovation, resolving conflict, countering resistance to change, and leveraging human nature. to achieve optimal results.
The key metrics in measuring results and monitoring both value stream and process-level performance.
The necessary infrastructure and organizational requirements for successful continuous improvement programs.

This 72-hour, project-based program is designed as a learn-do educational experience, structured into four-hour modules that can be combined into full day sessions or offered separately, as needed. A project, selected prior to the first module and finalized by the seventh module, provides a real world learning lab for applying the knowledge and skills being acquired in the classroom. Class size is limited to 20 participants.

Certificate Requirements

To receive a certificate, participants must meet the following requirements:

Read The Toyota Way (prior to the first session) and journal articles distributed throughout the program.
Attend at least 56 out of the 72 classroom hours (no make-up sessions are given).
Complete homework activities as assigned.
Complete a team-based project that meets the following criteria:

Uses A3 problem-solving methodology to achieve results.
Results in measurable improvement by the final class.
Involves an existing process - not one that's being created from scratch.
Tied to a value stream; driven by a real business need.
Involves at least one upstream supplier and one downstream customer (either internal or external).
Includes relevant pre-improvement measurements to establish the baseline for evaluating success, as well as post-improvement results; must include both operational and financial metrics.
Incorporates at least one root cause analysis technique.
Incorporates (at a minimum) work standardization, error-proofing, and 5S/Visual Management. Additional recognition is given for applying more advanced Lean tools, such as load leveling, work balancing, co-location, cross-training, etc.

Pass a written examination with a score of 70% or higher (this is optional, based on client preference).
Present their project results to the organization’s leadership team.

Note: Projects typically consume 10-20 hrs per week of team time outside the classroom. Each
project team receives 8 hours of telephonic coaching to deepen learning regarding Lean tools, evaluate progress, address obstacles, and assure the company receives a significant return on their investment.

Graduates receive a personalized engraved certification plaque, and gain significant respect within the organization and advancement potential.

Upon completion of this program, graduates are able to:

Lead improvement teams in creating an improvement strategy via value stream maps and future state implementation plans.
Use A3 Management to solve organization problems.
Plan and execute Kaizen Events that generate rapid and sustainable results.
Select and apply the Lean tools most appropriate for particular improvement needs.
Conduct effective root cause analyses to steer improvement teams away from band-aid solutions.
Use key metrics to eliminate waste, design effective processes, and monitor ongoing performance.
Translate improvements into direct and indirect financial terms.
Leverage human nature to shift organizational culture and set the stage for operational excellence.

Project Structure

Each class is segmented into project teams of 4-5 participants who select and complete projects that are selected in advance of the program start date, if possible. A team lead maintains continuous contact with Karen. Project plans are due by the beginning of the 4th class. A3 drafts are submitted each week or two, depending on the number of weeks between onsite class meetings..

Optional Observation Component

A necessary step in building facilitator confidence and deepening his/her understanding of Lean principles, team dynamics, and the application of specific tools, we highly recommend providing the facilitators with the opportunity to observe a value stream mapping activity and Kaizen Event facilitated by a skilled Lean practitioner. While co-facilitation is helpful, observing as a first step allows the facilitator-in -training to focus solely on learning, rather than doing.

For this stage of development, the facilitators-in-training may observe events led by either seasoned internal facilitators or by Karen Martin & Associates. This developmental opportunity also provides the organization with rapid and measurable results, which creates the momentum for change, sets the stage for future improvement efforts, and provides a return on investment.

Curriculum

The detailed curriculum – including content, activities, reading assignments, program schedule, and project timeline – is available upon request.

Program Fees

Please contact us for further details..

Expectations for Program Graduates

By the completion of the program, graduates are prepared to successfully lead improvement teams in office, service, and knowledge-based improvement activities, ranging from value stream mapping and strategic improvement planning to tactical implementation. Following the observational opportunity, new facilitators should be paired, preferably with seasoned facilitators until they build the confidence to facilitate on their own. Ongoing learning is an expectation for the facilitator's personal and professional growth.