So why are these important?
Continuous improvement at the frontline can feel daunting, even for the most effective leaders. Between high demand and razor-thin margins, manufacturing leaders are under pressure to keep getting better, every day.
But becoming the best in the business doesn't just "happen."
Every person on this list has gone through countless hours of experimentation, reflection, and revision to their methodologies and leadership.
Leaders do more than implement processes— they shape the culture that drives lasting quality and productivity.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, we thought it was time to update our list of lean manufacturing quotes. These quotes have been curated from some of the most brilliant minds in manufacturing, leadership, science, and beyond.
“The most dangerous kind of waste is the waste we do not recognize.” – Shigeo Shingo
“A bad system will beat a good person every time.” – W. Edwards Deming
“If you need a new process and don’t install it, you pay for it without getting it.” - Ken Stork
“When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo
“A relentless barrage of 'why’s' is the best way to prepare your mind to pierce the clouded veil of thinking caused by the status quo. Use it often.” - Shigeo Shingo
“Waste is hidden. Do not hide it. Make problems visible.” - Taichii Ohno
“If you can’t describe what you are doing as a process, you don’t know what you’re doing.” - W. Edwards Deming
“Lean Automation – the position of the words shows lean comes before automation. By leaning out your operation you may find out your ROI for automation is not what you thought.” - Dave Waters
“Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.” - Albert Einstein
“Quality is the result of a carefully constructed cultural environment. It has to be the fabric of the organization, not part of the fabric.” - Philip Crosby
“There are many experts on how things have been done up to now. If you think something could use a little improvement, you are the expert.” - Robert Brault
“Nature does constant value stream mapping — it’s called evolution.” - Carrie Latet
More lean and Kaizen content:
👉 Digital Kaizen SOPs to Standardize and Continuously Improve.
👉 Inspirational Kaizen Quotes to Motivate your Team.
👉 Introduction to Impactful 5S Standard Operating Procedures.