The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer by Jeffrey Liker Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer
Book Review: A Team Members Perspective
Summary: 1 Stars
This book outlines many fine principles that Toyota Motor Corporation used to build this company. However, if Dr. Liker had devoted an extensive period of time in the Georgetown, KY facility, TMMK, where I've been a Team Member for 13 years, he would have gained a better perspective as to how the modern Toyota system operates, quite unlike the blueprint outlined by this company's founders. Quality is not the same as it was 10 years ago and cost cutting is the flavor of the day. Our workforce consists of a large percentage of temporary non-Toyota employees, many who have been here online for over 4 years. We have not earned a J.D. Power award in a few years either. Mr. Convis, who authored the forward, is the President of TMMK and has recently been engaged in thwarting a union movement by nearly 40% of the regular Team Members. In short, Dr. Liker's failure to extensively study Toyota in action in todays environment failed to appreciate the notion that the 14 principles are ideal, but only if practiced. I welcome anyone at Toyota to prove me wrong. I will say this: When Mr. Cho opened this plant back in 1988, we were a much better run organization and we earned many J.D. Power awards because the environment at that time was the application of many of these 14 Principles - not so today. I believe the author should rethink the way he writes his next book - this one isn't accurate and the reader is being misled if he or she thinks that Toyota adheres to this philosophyBook Review: A good read, but a bit verbose and vague.
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was my first real introduction to the Toyota Production System (TPS). I bought it looking for a starting point, and it served its purpose. That being said, I found it to be a bit vague and long-winded. I think major portions of the text could have been cut out while still conveying the same material.
If you want a high-level overview of the TPS from an outside third-party, this book might be for you. If you're looking for specifics from one of the creators of the system, _Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production_ might be more your speed.
Book Review: A good start on your lean journey
Summary: 4 Stars
For anyone seriously interested in lean management, this is not the only book you have to read. Toyota Way vs. Lean Thinking? Personally I believe that "Lean Thinking" does a better job in describing the philosophy behind lean, which perhaps is especially important for those of you who want to implement lean in an organisation outside the automotive industry, e.g. in the public sector. Lean is a philosophy, not just a bunch of tools.
The Toyota Way is a good start for everybody interested in lean management in general and lean production in particular. For people in the automotive industry I think it's especially interesting and eye-opening. Unfortunately the book lacks in critical analysis of Toyota Production System, which can be quite irritating towards the end of the book. Sometimes the author is too positive about Toyota and I think he should have highlighted more of the flaws that must exist at Toyota as in any other company.
Book Review: A life changing book.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book has changed my life. It has changed the way I see business and management. Along with The Toyota Production System by Taiichi Onno, this book is simply genius. The toyota Talent and The Toyota Culture are high in my long books wish list. I am applying the principles to my everyday life, not only to my business and I am witnessing amazing results.
The management principles related to human resource management are the ones I have been more able to implement, and I can tell I am now proud of the culture we have achieved in our very small enterprise. The alignmment towards a common vision by all members of the team gives us a feeling as Mr. Taiichi describes in "The Toyota Production System" as being part of something great and unique, even when the dollar amounts in our accounts are indicating otherwise. There are no short-term results focus in our organization. We are and have a customer-centric culture. We are far from being a true lean enterprise but we are in our way, and it couldnt have been done without the insight provided by this book. I read it twice and I am looking forward to read it again.
I feel the need to congratulate and say thanks to Prof. Liker. You have done an awesome job at describing one of the most impressive orgaizations of all times. I hope the following books are on par to this one, although I am honestly not waiting all that much (I think it is more than difficult to at least match or even get to the same level of this work).
If I have to recommend one business book only, this one would be my pick and the second is not close...
Book Review: A must have - a bit too long though
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a must have for any manager or business administrator. My only observation is that some of the chapters are too long in making the point accross. Otherwise, it's an excellent reference to "copy with pride" the best practices from a great company.