I used to say I liked meeting new people because.. well.. it sounded like the right thing to say, truth is, after working in the same place for 20 years I didn’t actually get to meet many new people or at least people from outside Toyota. That changed when I was given an opportunity to develop by joining the TLMC – Toyota Lean Management Centre. A small group who are committed to share knowledge and understanding with non-competitive organisations, coaching the tools and behaviours that have supported the continued and evolving growth of Toyota on a global stage.Now I can say I like meeting new people because I live it. Helping others identify where they can make changes – because full disclosure, if you don’t accept the challenge of change you never really get better at anything.The best system in the world will fail if you do not have people with the correct skills to maintain it. Working inside and outside for Toyota over 20 years I can clearly see that the People are the most valuable tool. Sometimes innovation may rely on experts but sustained continuous improvement will motivate and develop the people doing it as well as the organisation they work within.This thinking way is not confined to Manufacturing. It is applicable in all industries; Pharma, Healthcare, Service, Education, Commerce.. the list is endless. Work & Life can reap benefits from a lean mindset.