Develop People.
Drive Performance.
At Lean Focus, every business’s transformation begins with its people. Through our Lean Transformation Academy, professionals of all levels are able to develop the skills and tools they need to deliver their organizations’ results—real results. Our state-of-the-art facility and hands-on curriculum enables attendees to truly engage with the material, gain a commanding grasp of the subject matter, and leave with tailored solutions that’ll transform their business for good.
Course Catalog
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300-2004
VIRTUAL: Continuous Improvement Leader Bootcamp
View Course InformationDescription
In this virtual course, you’ll learn the most critical tools and skills you will need in order to be the change agent within your organization, including the planning and preparation of strategic priorities, identifying the right tool applications to make improvements, driving action, practicing skills necessary to facilitate kaizen events, and ensuring sustainment of actions and accountability across your organization.
Attendee Type
- Leaders, Continuous Improvement professionals, or individual contributor change agents within a company seeking skills to facilitate culture change management, Kaizen event targeted activities, and teaching/coaching for sustainable performance.
Daily Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm on day one, 12:00pm on day two
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 1-2 hours. Pre-work reading assignments and pre-worksheets will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Completed case study using Value Stream Mapping
- Lean Focus C.I. Leader Boot Camp Training Manual
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Basics Digital Presentation
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Charter Digital Template
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Report Out Digital Template
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Results Digital Template
- Lean Focus Action Plan Digital Template
- Lean Focus Bowler Report Digital Template
- Generic Kaizen Event Certificate Digital Template
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 4.5 Days
Price:
$4000
300-1003
Strategy Deployment
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Using the famous Hoshin Kanri X-matrix format, you will learn unique and proven strategy deployment methodologies from former executive leaders. By the second day you will know how to ensure that your strategic priorities are focused, aligned, actionable, and equipped with clear measurements to track progress and impact.
Attendee Type
- Executive Leadership, Senior Leadership, Site Leadership, and Continuous Improvement professionals who are instrumental in the design and/or deployment of Company Strategy.
Daily Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm on day one, 12:00pm on day two
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 1-2 hours. A Strategy Deployment pre-worksheet and self-assessment will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Completed case study applying Strategy Deployment templates
- Lean Focus Strategy Deployment Training Manual
- Lean Focus Strategy Deployment X-Matrix Digital Template
- Lean Focus Action Plan Digital Template
- Lean Focus Bowler Report Digital Template
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 1.5 Days
Price: $1600
300-2003
Leading the Lean Transformation
View Course InformationDescription
As a leader in an organization, you are the most critical driver of your teams direction, culture, and performance. Leading a full- or partial-scale Lean Transformation will take understanding, patience, and diligence. Through this course, you will be exposed to the most critical Leadership elements needed in order to adopt, implement, and sustain a thriving Lean culture.
Attendee Type
- Executive/Senior Leaders and Continuous Improvement professionals who have strategic impact and influence across business units and/or organizations.
Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 30 minutes. A pre-work reading assignment will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Hands-on application of Daily Management and Problem-Solving to a Case Study
- Lean Focus Leading the Lean Transformation Training Manual
- Lean Focus Bowler Report Worksheet
- Lean Focus Action Plan Worksheet
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 1 Day
Price: $800
400-3001
How to Lead VSM/TPI Kaizen
View Course InformationDescription
During this 3-day session, you will be learning about both the Transactional Process Improvement (TPI) lean methodology as well as Value Stream Mapping (VSM) which will give you a more detailed view of your organizations’ processes. We will cover a macro view of the VSM inputs, key processes, and output of delivery, as well as a deep dive into the specific TPI elements that are necessary for process improvement.
Attendee Type
- Change agents within organizations who would like to broaden skillsets across multiple functions and departments across the business, from continuous improvement professionals to individual contributors wanting to make cross-functional impact.
Daily Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 1-2 hours. Pre-work reading assignments and a Kaizen event charter will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Lean Focus Transactional Process Improvement Training Manual
- Lean Focus Time Observation Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus Waste Recording Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus Spaghetti Diagram Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus SIPOC & RACI Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus Cycle Time / Takt Time Bar Chart Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus Cross Training Matrix Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus Bowler Report Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Digital Template Package
- Lean Focus Action Plan Digital Worksheet
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 3 Days
Price: $2400
400-5001
Problem Solving & Daily Management
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Over this three-day course, you will learn proven Problem Solving (PS2) and Daily Management (DM) methodologies from former Lean leaders who have applied the same techniques to startups and Fortune 200 organizations alike. By day three, you’ll know how to implement two of the most critical PS2 and DM business improvement processes within your own organization, and deliver real results.
Attendee Type
- All business functions (leadership to individual contributors) and departments (i.e. Operations, Sales, Marketing, HR, R&D, Quality, Customer Service, Finance, etc.). Basic introductory course (no previous lean experience required).
Daily Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 1-2 Days. Attendees must purchase and read “Managing to Learn: Using the A3 Management Process to Solve Problems, Gain Agreement, Mentor and Lead” by John Shook and Jim prior to course start date. Additional pre-worksheets will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Completed case study applying A3 Problem-Solving form and Daily Management templates
- Lean Focus Problem-Solving Training Manual
- Lean Focus Problem-Solving Quick Guide
- Lean Focus Daily Management Training Manual
- Lean Focus Problem-Solving A3 form Digital Template
- Lean Focus Action Plan Digital Template
- Lean Focus Daily Management Digital Templates
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 3 Days
Price: $2400
100-2002
VAVE Boot Camp
View Course InformationDescription
When designing a new product or planning to change an existing product, Value Analysis Value Engineering (VAVE) is an organized systematic methodology that allows you to make the functions of a product, system, building, or an organization crystal clear, forces you to assess cost-function relationships, and stimulates a desire to creatively achieve functions at the lowest possible cost without sacrificing performance or delivery. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply the VAVE methodology to your own organization, and sustain it as part of your product/service design culture.
Attendee Type
- Professionals who are involved in the design, marketing, sales, and manufacturing of products and services. Cross-functional Teams are highly encouraged to register for this course together.
Daily Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm on day one, two, and three, 12:00pm on last day
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 30 minutes. Pre-work reading assignments and/or pre-worksheets will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Hands-on application of the key VAVE methodologies to a Case Study
- Lean Focus VAVE Participant Workbook
- Lean Focus VAVE Form Digital Templates
- Lean Focus VAVE Participant Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus VAVE Report Out Digital Template
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 4.5 Days
Price: $4000
200-1001
Quality System Fundamentals
View Course InformationDescription
Quality is one of the most important variables by which our customers measure our value in providing products or services, but it is often overlooked or taken for granted until a quality problem smacks us in the face. If your organization does not have a clear Quality System in place today or needs to improve your Quality System, whether it be the process design, communication, channels, or final quality checks, this course is for you.
Attendee Type
- Team members involved in any process that requires Quality enhancement (i.e. Engineering, Manufacturing, Distribution, Customer Support, R&D, Accounting, I.T., etc.). Cross-functional Teams are highly encouraged to register for this course together.
Daily Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 30 minutes. Pre-work reading assignments and/or pre-worksheets will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Completed Case Study of the key facets of establishing a Quality System
- Lean Focus Quality System Fundamentals Training Manual
- Lean Focus Daily Management Digital Templates
- Lean Focus Bowler Report Digital Worksheet
- Lean Focus Action Plan Digital Worksheet
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 2 Days
Price: $1600
300-2000
Building A Lean Business System
View Course InformationDescription
What’s the secret behind successful companies like Toyota, Ford, Danaher, John Deere? They’ve each built a strong performance culture using a successful Operating or Business System rollout. This course teaches you how to build the systems necessary to create a culture that drives performance, sets expectations, reduces waste, and ultimately, delivers results.
Attendee Type
- Executive/Senior Leaders and Continuous Improvement professionals who have strategic impact and influence across business units and/or organizations.
Attendee Type
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 1-2 hours. Pre-work reading assignments and pre-worksheets will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Insight to key characteristics of successful Business Systems with case examples
- Lean Focus “Building a Lean Business System” hand-out and worksheet
- Organizational Assessment Digital Template
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 2 Days
Price: $1600
400-1001
Complete Guide to VSM: Commercial, OPS, R&D, Mixed Model
View Course InformationDescription
During this 3-day course, you will be immersed in the core foundations of Value Stream Mapping approach, from TAKT time concepts to waste improvement prioritization techniques. And when you leave, you’ll no longer have to be a Value Stream Mapping expert for just your function or department; you’ll be able to support many others throughout both the commercial and operations organizations.
Attendee Type
- Change agents who wish to broaden your skillset in Value Stream Mapping to support multiple functions and departments across the business, from continuous improvement professionals to individual contributors wanting to make cross-functional impact.
Daily Course Schedule
- Start: 8:00am
- End: 5:00pm
- Breaks: 10-10:15am | 12-1pm | 2:45-3:00pm
Pre-Work Requirement
- 1-2 hours. Pre-work reading assignments and a Kaizen event charter will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.
Course Deliverables
- Completed Case Studies On Value Stream Mapping Techniques
- Lean Focus Value Stream Mapping Training Manual
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Charter Digital Template
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Report Out Digital Template
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Results Digital Template
- Lean Focus Kaizen Event Newspaper Digital Template
- Certificate of Course Completion
Duration: 3 Days
Price: $2400
Learn Alongside Industry Leaders
Invaluable Training.
Unforgettable Experience.
Lean Focus’s brand-new training facility is located in the heart of Wisconsin’s bustling capital city, Madison. Famed for its esteemed University, Madison is also home to some of the highest-rated musical, athletic, and culinary experiences in the country. We embrace that culture and energy both in and outside of the classroom; from our hands-on curriculum and engaging learning activities, to the brewery tours and Badger games, everyone’s able to find something that brings their Lean Transformation Academy experience to life.
Plan Your Stay
Food & Lodging
Food & Lodging
All breakfasts and lunches will be hosted on-site and are included in the price of registration—as well as a variety of locally sourced snacks and beverages. For courses longer than a day, there are two premier hotel options located near the academy: Hotel Indigo and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison Central.
Airports & Parking
Things to Do
Address Information
Survey Says…
Answer Your Questions
Do I need Lean experience or training in order to sign up for a class?
Please read the course description and attendee recommendations carefully to ensure that the course content will be applicable to you and your function. If you have any questions, you can contact us at info@leanfocus.com and we can help you identify the right course for your needs.
Is there any prep work that needs to be completed before coming to a Lean Transformation Academy course?
Each course will have its own unique pre-work requirement. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with more details and attachments for your pre-work.
What should I bring with me to class?
You should plan to bring any pre-work that’s included in your course confirmation e-mail. You should also bring any tools you use for note-taking, but in most courses, you will be given worksheets and hand-outs that will guide you through the course content. Lastly, you should bring any real examples from your current business or work that would relate to the topic and allow you to apply what you learned in class to work on a real life problem. The best learning is one that engages real work!
Do you offer team discounts?
Yes, we do offer discounts for team registrations! Please reach out to us at info@leanfocus.com for more info on team discounts.
Do you offer on-site training or instruction?
As a matter of fact, the idea for the academy was born at an on-site training exercise for a Fortune 200 company. Please reach out to us at info@leanfocus.com for more info on on-site training opportunities.
Do you have a cancellation/return policy?
Yes, refunds are allowed up to 30 days before the class start date. If you’re afraid you’re going to miss a class, please reach out to us at info@leanfocus.com and we’ll help make things right.
What is the dress code for the sessions?
The recommended dress code for all of our training events is business casual. You’ll feel right at home in a collared shirt or blouse and comfortable dress pants.
What are the accepted forms of payment?
Currently, we accept all major credit cards for course registration fees. You can use American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa. If you want to provide a Purchase Order for payment you can email that to info@leanfocus.com. You can also pay by check, as long as it is able to be processed before the scheduled class start date.
Will meals be provided during the training?
Yes! During our sessions, a continental breakfast, lunch, and an assortment of snacks and beverages will be provided for all participants. If you have any specific dietary restrictions, please email info@leanfocus.com before the class begins and we’ll do whatever we can to accommodate your needs.
What if the class/session I’m interested in is full?
You can sign up for our monthly newsletter, “Lean Focus Forward” here to receive the latest updates on class schedules and future offerings. Or, if your company has a specific training need in mind, you can email us at info@leanfocus.com to discuss the possibility of adding a course session or customizing one for your organization.
Can the training be customized for my organization?
Absolutely. If you or your company has a specific training need in mind, you can email us at info@leanfocus.com to discuss how we can design a custom course to suit your needs.
Testimonials
“I cannot speak more highly of Damon Baker and the instructors at Lean Focus’s Transformation Academy. Incredible team, training center, and educational programming. They work well with private business owners, public companies and we have used them in all of our private equity operating companies.”
Edward Crawford
“Their training and teaching goes beyond just the tools of Lean but really delves into the overall philosophy of Lean. We have used them for kaizen, general training, and recruitment. The experience has been a superb in all areas.”
Jason Kaspar
“I have nothing but nice things to say about Lean Focus and their Lean Transformation Academy. The bootcamp is amazing. I have had the privilege to take it twice, and I am a better practitioner, facilitator and mentor as a result.”
Patrick Dew
“Excellent team with the skills and experience to effectively teach and coach organizations on their Lean journeys. They are true practitioners that understand how to mentor and inspire others to capitalize on the fundamentals of the Toyota way. We have and will continue to leverage them as we advance in our journey.”
Andrew McLeland
“Recently attended the class on Problem Solving and Daily Management—went into it with high expectations and they didn’t let me down. This is a great learning environment and the instructors are extremely knowledgeable on the topics of Lean. Very valuable experience.”
Mike Abbruzzese
“Lean Focus takes in-depth problem solving tools and techniques to a different level by providing training that is easy to comprehend. The initial training is then followed by continued guidance so that the learning is effective. More importantly they do this with patience, understanding and consistency.”
Andrea Huntebrinker
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